LOT 15
1963 Daimler SP250 Roadster Chassis no. 100929 Engine no. See text, includes original unit
Sold for US$30,240 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 15
1963 Daimler SP250 Roadster
1963 Daimler SP250 Roadster
Chassis no. 100929
Engine no. See text, includes original unit
Chassis no. 100929
Engine no. See text, includes original unit
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
*Hemi-powered, lightweight roadster for high-speed touring
*Matching numbers engine accompanies the car
*Much enjoyed and toured car
THE DAIMLER SP250 'DART'
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 as the 'Dart' (renamed after protest from Chrysler Corporation), the SP250 employed a separate ladder-type chassis on which sat controversially styled fiberglass 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-liter V8 engine. 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 takeover, 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 fiberglass coachwork; its 'C' replacement, introduced in April 1963 differed only in detail.
THE CAR OFFERED
Striking in its beautiful metallic blue scheme, this 'Dart' was the prized possession of the noted naval architect Rodger Martin, a local Newport, Rhode Island enthusiast, for many years. Unusually the Daimler carries its original handbook with it, together with the Manufacturer's Warranty certificate, a particularly nice piece of history to have, which confirms that when first delivered in the USA, its original owner was one Alonzo E. McLaughlin Jr. of Brentwood, New York, who received his car through agents Raymond Foreign Sales Corp of Islip, New York.
Mr. Martin acquired the SP250 more than 15 years ago and routinely campaigned and enjoyed it. When showing at local events such as the Newport Car Festival in 2006 and Portsmouth in 2008, he and the car were rewarded with Best in Class silver plates, testament to the way in which the car was looked after. More recently the car was driven all the way to Nova Scotia and back for a British Car tour.
Under its current ownership the Daimler has received considerable attention. The interior has received a full set of custom-made, professionally fitted Wilton wool carpets. At the same time the interior door cards were replaced and the original leather and refinished front seats fully detailed. The resulting cabin is striking against the metallic blue paint work that has been wet sanded and buffed. Under hood detailing including correct ignition wires, air cleaners and a full tune up were also performed.
The Daimler reportedly runs well, with an impressive growl from its dual exhaust system. A full complement of original handbooks, service books and other Daimler literature accompany the car. This well loved and cared for car has benefitted from high quality cometic work is prime for enjoyment.
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