1961 Daimler SP250 "Dart" B-Spec

Fabulous, matching-numbers 'B-spec' example from a private collection

Four-wheel Girling disc brakes, and a 2.5-litre Hemi-head V8 engine designed by Edward Turner.

Original Owners Handbook and Heritage Certificate

The subject of much expenditure. Restored bodywork with very well-preserved interior

Launched in 1959, the Daimler Dart would be Daimler's final production sports car before its acquisition by Jaguar in 1960. Aimed at the North American market, the 'Dart' name was subsequently dropped after the threat of legal action from American giant, Chrysler who's Dodge division owned the rights to the Dart model name and, from this point onwards, Daimler would appoint the project number SP250 as its model designation.

The SP250 was constructed using a fibreglass body mounted on a separate, TR3 style, 'ladder' chassis. Even with its radical new bodywork and a standard specification boasting four-wheel disc brakes, reclining leather seats, a packed dashboard and the options of overdrive and wire wheels, by far the car's biggest virtue was its, Edward Turner designed, 2.5-litre V8 engine. With 140 BHP this V8 masterpiece, revered by sports car enthusiasts for its smooth power delivery, could propel the SP250 to a top speed of 125MPH. These impressive performance figures led the SP250 to be the number one choice for police forces who deployed the car in high-speed chases throughout the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

When Jaguar bought Daimler in 1960, they were rather concerned about the SP250's reported chassis flex and to address this they introduced the 'B-spec' version with extra outriggers on the chassis and a strengthening hoop between the A-posts. The later car also benefitted from a number of detail improvements including an adjustable steering column. Originally supplied by Drabble and Allen of Manchester, TBN 908 is the desirable B-spec car having been ordered in December 1960 and built during the early months of 1961. First registered on the 1st May 1961, optional extras from new included, wheel discs, front and rear bumpers, a heater, and windscreen washers. The car still presents beautifully in its original colour scheme of Ivory White on Ivory piped Black leather. In the history file, you will discover the original Owner's Handbook and its Heritage Certificate (confirming that it remains matching numbers) and evidence of the many hours of hard work and not inconsiderable expenditure that has gone into presenting this distinctive British sports car in the condition you see here today. The Daimler has formed part of a private collection of equally outstanding classics and represents an opportunity to acquire a rare sixties British sports car that is sure to provide many more years of enjoyment to its lucky new owner.

In period, the SP250 was regarded as rather quirky and its shape did divide opinion somewhat, however, with the passage of time its 'futuristic' lines now look just right and the 'Dart' has evolved into a very desirable classic.