Richard Stafford
Senior Specialist, Head of Research
LOT 617
1960 Daimler SP250 Roadster with Hardtop Registration no. PSJ 686 Chassis no. 106238 Engine no. 7370262
Estimate: £12,000 - £14,000
Lot 617
1960 Daimler SP250 Roadster with Hardtop
The Beaulieu Sale: Collectors' Motor Cars & Automobilia|2 September 2023, 14:30 BST|Beaulieu, National Motor Museum
1960 Daimler SP250 Roadster with Hardtop
Registration no. PSJ 686
Chassis no. 106238
Engine no. 7370262
Registration no. PSJ 686
Chassis no. 106238
Engine no. 7370262
• Delivered new to the USA
• Left-hand drive
• Present ownership since 1999
• Offered for restoration
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 glassfibre 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 2.5-litre V8 engine, designed by the legendary Edward Turner of Triumph motorcycles fame. An outstandingly flexible unit, the smaller of Daimler's two 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 model survived Jaguar's 1960 take-over, benefiting from its new owner's attention that resulted in the much-improved 'B' version. Introduced in April 1961, the SP250 'B' boasted a stiffer chassis and thicker glassfibre coachwork, while its 'C' replacement, introduced in April 1963, differed only in detail. Sadly, the Jaguar E-Type's arrival meant the SP250's days were numbered, and production ceased in 1964.
Its accompanying JDHT Heritage Certificate states that this left-hand drive Daimler SP250 was exported new to the USA. The car returned to the UK circa 1998 and was purchased by the lady vendor's late husband in 1999. The deceased owner had acquired the Daimler as a restoration project for his retirement, but it would appear that the work was never started. However, it was used extensively during his years of ownership. We are advised that the car was running when driven into the garage and stored approximately six years ago. The current odometer reading is 77,407 miles. Finished in red with tan interior, this potentially most rewarding project comes with a service manual, a V5C document, current SORN, some spare parts, and the aforementioned JDHT Certificate. Sold strictly as viewed.
• Left-hand drive
• Present ownership since 1999
• Offered for restoration
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 glassfibre 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 2.5-litre V8 engine, designed by the legendary Edward Turner of Triumph motorcycles fame. An outstandingly flexible unit, the smaller of Daimler's two 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 model survived Jaguar's 1960 take-over, benefiting from its new owner's attention that resulted in the much-improved 'B' version. Introduced in April 1961, the SP250 'B' boasted a stiffer chassis and thicker glassfibre coachwork, while its 'C' replacement, introduced in April 1963, differed only in detail. Sadly, the Jaguar E-Type's arrival meant the SP250's days were numbered, and production ceased in 1964.
Its accompanying JDHT Heritage Certificate states that this left-hand drive Daimler SP250 was exported new to the USA. The car returned to the UK circa 1998 and was purchased by the lady vendor's late husband in 1999. The deceased owner had acquired the Daimler as a restoration project for his retirement, but it would appear that the work was never started. However, it was used extensively during his years of ownership. We are advised that the car was running when driven into the garage and stored approximately six years ago. The current odometer reading is 77,407 miles. Finished in red with tan interior, this potentially most rewarding project comes with a service manual, a V5C document, current SORN, some spare parts, and the aforementioned JDHT Certificate. Sold strictly as viewed.
Saleroom notices
Please note that the chassis number should read 100238 and incorrectly stated by the DVLA as 106238.
Additional information
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