Lot 220 - 1961 Daimler SP 250 Dart ‘B’ specification
| Lot Number | 220 |
| Registration | 6825 VF |
| Chassis Number | 102765 |
| Engine Number | 96101 |
| Odometer reading | 97,663 miles |
| Result | Sold - £25,760 |
The controversially styled Daimler Dart was introduced at the New York Motor Show in 1959 and had its European debut at the 1959 Earls Court Motor Show; the Dart name was soon dropped after the threat of legal action from Chrysler who had a car of that name within their Dodge division. Thereafter this new sports car was known as the Daimler SP250. Power was provided by the 2.5 litre, Edward Turner designed, V8 that soon became revered for the smoothness in its power delivery with 140bhp on tap. Independent double wishbone front suspension at the front and half elliptical springs at the rear with a live rear axle kept the car on the road with stopping power supplied by hydraulic disc brakes on all four corners. The coachwork was constructed with glass reinforced plastic providing a tough, strong and lightweight shape that enhanced performance with exciting and non-traditional looks. The 120mph plus capability was recognised by the police and they were soon being used as high speed chase cars.
This ‘B’ specification 1961 Daimler SP 250 has been described by the vendor as in excellent mechanical condition throughout and it has been fully maintained since its restoration in 2000. Since then an overdrive gearbox was fitted in 2009 and at the same time new windscreen rubbers and a new black soft top were also installed. In 2010 the engine was fully rebuilt by marque specialists at a cost of £10,000. A very comprehensive service was carried out in April 2017 and more recently work included fixing any oil leaks. This SP 250, fitted with a four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive, rack and pinon steering rack and painted wire wheels is finished in red with cream leather, piped in red leather interior and is supplied with a V5C registration document, an MoT test certificate which expires in June 2019 and a good history file containing invoices and old MoT certificates going back to 1996 when the odometer read 81,800 miles. With 2,650 Daimler SP250s produced, it is believed that fewer than 700 of these stylish sports cars survive today making this one of the rarest but affordable British classic cars available, and this attractive example certainly offers the style.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.