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LOT 216

1963 Daimler SP250 Roadster Chassis no. 104198 Engine no. 97411

Sold for US$67,200 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 216

1963 Daimler SP250 Roadster

1963 Daimler SP250 Roadster
Chassis no. 104198
Engine no. 97411

2,548cc OHV Hemi-Head V8 Engine
2 SU Carburetors
142bhp at 5,800rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Disc Brakes

*One of approximately 1,200 left hand drive examples built
*Beautiful restoration performed
*Classic and appropriate livery or British Racing Green over Tan
*Hemi-powered, lightweight Roadster for high-speed touring



THE DAIMLER SP250

After the Second World War Daimler was still the automobile of choice for the Royal Family and that cachet rubbed off on the company's line of comfortable and conservative but thoroughly engineered Sedans and exclusive Convertibles powered by reliable but conservative inline six- and eight-cylinder engines. Thus, it was a complete surprise when at the New York Auto Show in 1959 it introduced the Daimler SP250, a low, sleek, fiberglass bodied Roadster with rollup windows powered by an all-new Daimler designed 2,548cc overhead valve V-8 engine with hemispherical combustion chambers and 140hp plus on tap.

Unfortunately for Daimler the SP250 was not the shot in the arm that had been hoped. The company was already struggling and in 1960 was taken on by Jaguar. With Jaguar's 1961 introduction of the E-Type there was no place for the SP250, even with its brilliant little hemispherical head V-8, and it faded from production in 1964 after only 2,648 had been built.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Offered here is a beautifully restored, left-hand drive example of the C-Series Daimler 'Dart' SP250. With its fiberglass Roadster body finished in classic British Racing Green neatly contrasted by a tan interior and convertible top, the rare sports car looks just right. Silver painted wire wheels are in situ shod on Michelin tires. Performance oriented upgrades include KN air cleaners mated to the correct SU carburetors and Pertronix ignition, while a classic wood-rimmed steering wheel gives the driver full control of the potent Hemi-powered Roadster. The lovely Daimler SP250 Roadster runs with a pleasing burble from the little V8's dual exhausts, hinting at the delight it will surely give the next owner.

Saleroom notices

Please note that the Daimler was originally delivered in right hand drive form, and the engine is a replacement unit, number 7K 4051. We are grateful to members of the 'Dart' community for drawing our attention to this.

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