Daimler SP250 (1960)

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 V8s 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.
The SP250 listed here was first registered on 8 June 1960 and is chassis number 101373. Finished in gleaming and unmarked signal red and supplied with contrasting black/red wet weather gear (hard and soft tops). The interior is wonderfully original with a patina that is only apparent and available through 57 years of careful and meticulous ownership. No rips or tears - just soft black wonderful leather. The history and paperwork supplied with this car is exemplary and more than I could ever have time to go through in any detail! There are nearly 30 old MOT certificates with matching tax discs dating back to 1977. Folders of old invoices, photos, service packs, brochures and manuals, a copy of Mayfair (which incidentally we did make time to go through, purely for research and to find where and how the car was featured!). There is a ledger detailing old expenses and interestingly it is on the front cover of the Daimler Book written by Brian Long, which is also included.
This has to be one of the best available and given the very limited run of just 2654 this has to be worthy of serious consideration either for the investor or simply for the driver who wants something 'a little different'.

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