Lot details Registration No: 419 ELW Chassis No: 104022 Mot Expiry: None
Introduced at the 1959 New York Motor Show, the Daimler SP250 had a very transatlantic feel to it. While its prominent tail fins, glass fibre bodywork and ''hemi' V8 engine all carried a distinct American echo, its narrow 5ft 0 ½ ins track stance and understated interior were typically British. Built on a traditional cruciform based ladder frame chassis equipped with independent coil and wishbone front suspension and a leaf sprung 'live' rear axle, it was the SP250's advanced powerplant and strong performance that intrigued the contemporary motoring press. Designed by Ed Turner, whose other work had included the legendary Ariel Square Four and various Triumph vertical twins, the SP250's engine was remarkable for its power (140bhp, 155lbft of torque), low weight and refinement. Credited by the 'Motor' magazine with a top speed of 123.7mph, the SP250 (or Dart to give it its pre-production code) was only in production until 1964 by which time a mere 2,500 had been made.
Finished in Mountain Blue metallic with grey leather upholstery, this particular 'B-spec' example is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork, wheels / tyres) or "excellent" (engine, four-speed manual gearbox) condition. Purchased by him from the Stratford-Upon-Avon area in January 1968, it migrated to his native Eire some months later only to be "used as everyday transport for five years". Otherwise driven sparingly but "maintained in good original working order for the past thirty seven years", it is further said to have "never been 'restored' nor needed such". Though, we understand that it was "resprayed in 1986", treated to "a replacement gearbox some 30k miles ago", and has had "every single brake, steering and suspension component replaced by David Manners within the last 1,000 miles". Reputedly "kept in a heated, dehumidified garage", the Daimler's impressive specification includes: "factory-fitted seatbelts (with the attractive raised 'D' emblem on the buckles), hard- / soft-tops, tonneau, hood cover, stainless steel exhaust, steel wheels, servo brakes and wind horns". Believed but not warranted to have covered 86,000 miles from new, it reportedly boasts an engine that "has never been opened and still gives full oil pressure". Offered for sale with original owner's manual, workshop manual, old buff logbook / number plates (relating to its former UK registration 419 ELW), various model relevant books and "an extensive library of articles published over the last 37 years", we are informed that this remarkable Dart "will be driven to the auction from the West of Ireland".
PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle does not have a V5 registration document, only a buff logbook.
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