1960 Daimler SP250 Dart

Registration No: 245 LNW
Chassis No: 100723
MOT: Exempt

• UK-supplied, right-hand-drive example, subject to a full repaint in c.2007
• Sensibly uprated with rack and pinion steering, and servo-assisted brakes
• Fitted with chrome wire wheels and a wire spare wheel
• Treated to a brake overhaul and engine servicing in 2022

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.

Supplied new to the United Kingdom in right-hand-drive configuration and understood to have been registered new in Leeds on the 25^th of May 1960, the Dart is fitted with the four-speed manual transmission with synchromesh on the top three gears. Believed to have been subject to an engine overhaul in the early 2000s, the Daimler has also been repainted in the Bright Red hue in c.2007, with complementary Grey leather interior upholstery. Sensibly upgraded with rack-and-pinion steering, electric fan and servo-assisted braking. While residing in the previous long-term ownership between 2008 and 2022, the SP250 was also provided with a new hood trimmed in Black, new radiator, and a stainless-steel exhaust system with balance pipe, providing much improved exhaust note.

Acquired by the vendor, a former Daimler engineer, from the long-term previous custodian, the Dart has been treated to a brake overhaul and engine servicing since purchase. Displayed at the 2022 Daimler & Lanchester Owners Club International Rally in York, ‘245 LNW’ is fitted with chrome wire-wheels (including a wire spare wheel) and is accompanied by a hood bag and tonneau cover, both trimmed in White. Supplied with a paperwork file that contains an original owner’s handbook, service manual, a collection of previous MOTs and invoices, and a current V5C document. 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.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452