1960 Daimler SP250

For sale by auction on Saturday 28 November 2015 with Historics at Brooklands. Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit. Weybridge. Surrey. Call 01753 639170
Introduced at the New York Motor Show of 1959. the Daimler Dart
was a V8 powered sports car with controversial styling. The
Dart name was soon dropped after the threat of legal action from
Chrysler who had a car of that name within their Dodge division;
thereafter this new sports car was known as the SP250. Power
was provided by a 2. 5 litre V8. designed by Edward Turner- famed
for the legendary Triumph Speed Twin motorcycle engine of 1937. The
V8 Daimler motor was revered for the smoothness of its power
delivery. with 140bhp on tap. Independent double wishbone
front suspension at the front and half elliptical springs at the
rear with a live rear axle kept the car on the road with stopping
power supplied by hydraulic disc brakes on all four corners.
The coachwork was constructed with glass reinforced plastic
providing a tough. strong and lightweight shape that enhanced
performance with exciting and non-traditional looks. The
120mph plus capability was recognised by the police and they were
soon being used as high speed chase cars.

The SP250 offered today is an early 'A' series model and was
registered on 24th March 1960 to Mr C. G. Wade of Aldershot. The
Daimler has had a mere six keepers over its lifetime and presents
well in ivory with tan leather. It comes with the original. factory
supplied. hardtop as well as a hood and tonneau cover. providing a
solution for all weathers. It is unusual in that it has its
original wheel trims and hub covers. as so many have been converted
to run on wire wheels. The registration number. YUU 98. is
distinctive and original to the car. which is accompanied by a
substantial history file. This includes the original buff logbook. br/>MoT Test Certificates going back to 1972 and many invoices from
marque expert Barry Thorne. including some for engine and gearbox
rebuilds. A full respray was carried out in 1989 at a cost of
£2. 50 and the chassis has been strengthened in the relevant areas
to later B/C specification.
More recent work carried out involved an overhaul of the braking
system including the fitment of a new master cylinder. a steering
upgrade to a later rack and pinion system. new tyres. a stainless
steel exhaust system and the fitment of Pertronix electronic
ignition with a 'flame thrower' coil and new high tension
leads.

We are informed by the vendor that the car has a strong engine
with excellent oil pressure and that it drives superbly. The
Daimler comes with a V5C registration document and will have a
fresh MoT test certificate at the time of sale. It is rare to find
such an unspoilt. early. SP250 and this very tidy example is
offered at a tempting estimate. 

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