1959 Daimler Dart SP250 Series A

• Potentially historically significant as the eighth right-hand-drive example built
• Supplied new in November 1959 by the famous Birmingham dealers, Reeve and Stedeford
• With its first owner until 2001 and only one since. Two owners in 61 years!
• 2,548cc V8, lightweight fibreglass body and Girling disc brakes. 0-60mph in nine seconds and 120mph
• Recently undergone a ú5,000 repaint back to the gel coat and refinished in Old English White
• Gently patinated original tan leather interior. Very smart, virtually new Donkey Brown soft top
• The engine benefits from electronic ignition and has recently been serviced
• Complete with Heritage Certificate, owners and workshop manuals and a wealth of history
• With only 2,645 built, these are rare cars and, whilst a little quirky, remain sought-after classics

An unusual departure for a firm more noted for its stately limousines, the SP250 sports car was Daimler's final fling before its acquisition by Jaguar. Aimed at the North American market and launched in 1959, the SP250 employed a separate ladder-type chassis on which sat controversially styled fibreglass coachwork manufactured by Daimler themselves. Four-wheel disc brakes were an unusual feature at the time but unquestionably the car's biggest virtue was its magnificent 2.5-litre V8 engine. An outstandingly flexible unit, the smaller of Daimler's two Edward Turner designed V8's produced 140bhp, an output good enough to propel the SP250 to a top speed of 125mph. In keeping with the demands of its intended market, automatic transmission was available as an option.

This Daimler SP250 Dart is a very early, first-year production car, supplied new in November 1959 by famous Birmingham motor dealers Reeve & Stedeford. This early model Dart is the eighth right-hand-drive example built, just two after the British Motor Show example (100576). This rare car has been in long term ownership with only one previous owner listed on the logbook and is supplied with its Heritage Certificate, workshop manual, original owner's handbook, and a history file of invoices and previous MOTs.

This car has been cherished as is evident from the factory-supplied tan leather interior, which is free from rips or tears. The Ivory Paintwork looks stunning, having recently benefitted from a ú5,000 refresh that was taken back to the gel coat. The brown convertible cover and the cream tonneau cover both appear in great condition and complement the paintwork nicely.

Mechanically, the Edward Turner-designed 2.5-litre V8 is described as reliable and said to start with no hesitation and idle with ease. This is no surprise, as the vehicle has had a recent service including a new dynamo and fuel pump and no expense has been spared, with even the wiring loom being replaced in recent years for peace of mind. The registration 50 AOG will remain on the Dart.