1963 Daimler SP250

This fine Daimler Dart was first registered in December 1963 rendering it a considerably more desirable “C-spec” car and the last of the SP250’s. When Jaguar acquired Daimler in 1960 they quickly set about curing the woeful lack of torsional rigidity exhibited by the early cars. Consequently, the B and C-spec cars benefitted from modifications consisting of two additional outriggers and a box section hoop which runs up the A pillar on the inside and up under the instrument panel. This car’s chassis number of 4311 reveals it to be just 114 cars from the end of production with number 4425 being the last one produced.

The Dart was enjoyed by two owners before being acquired by a Rochester based engineer in 1977. This third keeper retained the Daimler for a full 43 years, using it regularly until poor health forced him into Care in 2020. At that point the Dart was passed to an attorney who sold the car on his behalf. The car has therefore only had 4 owners to date. 

The current owner, acquired this rare sports car in 2021. Another experienced engineer, he set about a full and thorough restoration, the results of which can be admired today. He has since picked up a couple of show awards along the way. This diligent restoration work has extended to all facets of the Daimler including a full renovation of the body together with an engine, brakes, suspension and hydraulics rebuild. The axle had previously been rebuilt with a new C.W.P. fitted and little mileage covered since. 

This fine Dart is now only being sold due to his recent completion of a “bucket list” E Type project, plus a lack of space and suggestions from his wife that it's time to start downsizing.

One of the quirks of Daimler’s SP250 is its fiberglass body, one might think. Daimler were already masters of the art of fibreglass construction methods, however, using it extensively in their bus manufacturing endeavours.

The owner undertook significant work to the body, following advice from a Lotus / TVR restoration specialist. The body was completely dry sanded back to the gelcoat before being thoroughly dried and then covered with a layer of fibreglass tissue matting and resin. It was then levelled up, treated to several coats of primer and finished in Ferrari Azzurro Blue Metallic. The process taking around 100 hours and £600 of quality materials

The results appear impressive indeed and that non-Daimler livery seems to suit the unconventional looks of the Dart rather well .The distinctive “catfish mouth” grill is a dominant feature of the front of the car yet still retaining the Daimler signature fluting to its “top lip” and being centred with a large chrome “V” signifying the cylinder arrangement of the engine sitting behind it. The rear of the car boasts both muscular haunches and tapered wings. Divisive the styling may have once been but matured and distinctive it now appears.

This example currently rests on a set of silver painted cross-spoked wire wheels affixed at the centre with chromed twin eared spinners with debossed removal instructions. The condition of these appears excellent, the rims being fitted with quality Avon CR6ZZ tyres. A newly fitted, blue vinyl hood appears to fit tightly, and a black fabric tonneau cover is also present and photographed. The Dart is supplied complete with a set of four TR6 type steel wheels (pictured fitted) with nearly new tyres providing an easier to clean, lower maintenance option should it be desired. A fifth wheel is present with a part worn tyre.

The snug but sporting cabin is predominantly finished in a grey Jaguar vinyl courtesy of a retrim in the mid 1990’s. This remains in a fine condition and adorns the bucket seats, token rear bench, door cards, side panels and dashboard fascia panel. The light grey carpets are reported to be a little faded in places, but the overall cabin condition appears admirable for its age. The owner does note a stain on one end of the rear bench squab, some minor marks and scratches to the original glass and some thinning of the chrome on a corner of the windscreen surround

The fascia panel is lightly padded and dressed in matching grey. A generously sized pair of Smiths, white on black instruments sit ahead of the driver. The speedometer and tachometer sit behind a three spoke alloy Mota-Lita steering wheel with deeply varnished wood rim and Daimler boss. A quartet of smaller gauges populate a centrally located silvered steel, machine finished panel. As so often seems the case this quartet is made up of a trio of Smiths gauges and one Lucas interloper. A small digital speedometer sits between the main pair of instruments providing an accurate back up to a slightly wayward original.

The boot is surprisingly generous, practical and trimmed in hard wearing black carpet. A full-sized spare steel wheel and tyre is housed beneath the boot floor. A tool bag containing a jack and wheel brace is noted.

The styling of the Dart may have divided opinion but the quality of Turner’s superb V8 engine did not. The diminutive V8 was originally rated at a conservative 140bhp and 155 Ib-ft of torque. It is noted that the V8 took the Dart from a walking pace to a whisker under 130mph in top gear with a turbine like power delivery.

During restoration the engine was removed to facilitate painting the engine bay. This presented a great opportunity to remove the crankshaft, check and polish it. New main and big end bearings were fitted together with a new oil pump, pressure relief valve, timing chain, tensioner and oil seals. Modern synthetic seals were used on the sump to replace the old rear cork seal. A new Borg and Beck three-piece clutch kit was fitted, merely as a precaution. New valve stem seals were also fitted, the heads had previously been modified with the improved phosphor bronze valve guides as supplied by SNG Barratt. The radiator was flushed, tested and refitted with all new silicone hoses and new electric fan. The Carburettors were stripped, cleaned, checked and rebuilt with modern fuel resistant float valves. The original dynamo is with the car. It was working perfectly but a new alternator, as fitted on the later V8 saloons, has replaced it. The original fuel tank was replaced.

The original rather fragile TR derived gearbox had already been replaced by a much stronger Jaguar unit complete with silky smooth overdrive, greatly aiding relaxed and sustained cruising. This also necessitated using a modified saloon sump and starter.The rear springs were replaced by the previous owner and meticulously wrapped to exclude dirt and grit. New front springs, discs, suspension bushes, brake master cylinder and pads are all present. The hard to find brake callipers were all reconditioned with new pistons and seals and the front wheel bearings replaced together with - new clutch master and slave cylinders. This Dart has also undergone the highly desirable modification to rack and pinion steering.

Lifting the bonnet reveals a busy symmetry and plenty of shiny polished alloy. The rocker covers splay out either side of the twin SU carburettors. The expected information plates and numbers are noted. The underside of the Dart has received a generous coat of Body Schutz underseal in the current ownership, and the chassis cavities have been injected with Waxoyl. A stainless-steel exhaust system is also in evidence here.

The Dart comes with an impressive depth of paperwork. First and foremost is the current V5 registration document in the name of the owner. This classifies the Dart as an Historic Vehicle, MoT exempt and zero rated for VED in the UK. A copy of the original buff log book is also present.

Accompanying this is a plethora of invoices for parts procured and work commissioned. Some of these date right back to the 1970’s with others coming bang up to date and documenting parts obtained during the restoration. An original Advanced Service Manual is present, as is a more contemporary version.

It’s a shame that the arrival of Jaguar ownership in 1960 pretty much did for the SP250 before it fully found its stride. It soon proved to be an accomplished sports car, however, with that small capacity Turner V8 proving a gem of smooth yet lusty power delivery. With well under 3,000 ever built the Daimler Dart has always been a rare British icon and so it remains today.

This example seems to have it all. A great colour combination, sublime restored condition and a number of useful enhancements making a real difference to the Dart’s real-world useability. That usability is further underscored by the Dart’s recent Netherlands road trip during which it reportedly never missed a beat. A testament in many ways of the ability of a revered motorcycle designer to produce a cracking sports car.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £25,000 - £32,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Southport. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.