1963 Daimler Dart SP250 'C-Spec'

An unusual departure for a firm noted for its stately limousines, the SP250 sports car was Daimlers final fling before its acquisition by Jaguar. Aimed at the North American market and launched in 1959, the model was initially named the Dart, however that was subsequently dropped after the threat of legal action from the 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 employed a separate ladder-type chassis on which sat unconventionally-styled, fibreglass coachwork moulded by Daimler themselves. Four wheel disc brakes were an unusual feature at the time but unquestionably the cars biggest virtue was its magnificent 2.5-litre V8 engine, an outstandingly flexible unit which was in fact the smaller of Daimlers two Edward Turner-designed V8s producing 140bhp, an output that was good enough to propel the SP250 to a top speed of 150mph. Inkeeping with the demands of its intended market, automatic transmission was an available option but clearly the manual option was the more desired. Early cars suffered from a degree of chassis flex and to address this, the B and C-spec versions were fitted with extra chassis outriggers and a strengthening hoop between the A-posts, with minor other specification improvements added at the same time.

This particular C-Specification example with optional hardtop is finished in Daimler Dark Blue with a black interior has been fully restored in recent years and is finished to a very high standard. Desirable upgrades include the addition of rack and pinion steering, transforming the overall handling and steering feel and giving a vastly improved driving experience. Other additions of note are the electronic ignition and a 'must have' Kenlowe fan to assist with the mechanical cooling when required.

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 have taken on a different dimension evolving into a very attractive classic.