Footnotes

• 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 Edward Turner designed 2.5-litre V8 engine. The Triumph motorcycle company's chief designer, Turner based the engine's top-end on that of the company's successful twin-cylinder models, but unlike the latter his V8 was considerably over-square.
  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 bodywork 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.
  The Daimler SP250 offered here is an example of the rare 'C' model, only 256 of which were produced. Many man-hours and considerable expenditure were lavished on the car by its previous owner Paul Jarrett, who is Secretary of the SP250 Club. Paul restored the car during the late 1990s, bringing his specialist knowledge to bear on the project, which was treated as a hobby. Judged by its appearance, this example is as near to a 'new' SP250 as one could wish for. Described by the vendor as in 'A1' condition and said to drive as good as it looks, the car is offered with current MoT/tax and Swansea V5 registration document.
  

Auction Notices

• Paul Jarrett is the Advertising Secretary for the Daimler Lanchester Owner's Club and not the SP250 Club as catalogued.

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Category: Motoring / Motor Cars

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