1963 Daimler SP250 Roadster
Chassis no. 100929
Engine no. see text includes original unit
2,548cc OHV Hemi-Head V8 Engine
2 SU Carburetors
142bhp at 5,800rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Disc Brakes

*One of approximately 1,200 left hand drive examples built
*Hemi-powered, lightweight Roadster for high-speed touring
*Matching numbers engine accompanies the car
*Much enjoyed and toured car

THE DAIMLER 'DART'

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 fiberglass 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 2.5-liter V8 engine. 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 takeover, 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 fiberglass coachwork; its 'C' replacement, introduced in April 1963 differed only in detail.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Striking in its beautiful metallic blue scheme, this 'Dart' was the prized possession of the late Rodger Martin, a local Newport enthusiast, for many years. Unusually the Daimler carries its original handbook with it, together with the Manufacturer's Warranty certificate, a particularly nice piece of history to have, which confirms that when first delivered in the USA, its original owner was one Alonzo E. McLaughlin Jr. of Brentwood, NY, who received his car through agents Raymond Foreign Sales Corp of Islip, NY.

Mr. Martin acquired the SP250 in more than 15 years ago and routinely campaigned and enjoyed it. When showing at local events such as the Newport Car Festival in 2006 and Portsmouth in 2008, he and the car were rewarded with Best in Class silver plates, testament to the way in which the car was looked after. More recently the car was driven all the way to Nova Scotia and back for a British Car tour.

Today, the Daimler remains very cleanly presented with a good finish to the paint, and the interior, an older restoration now lightly aged from use. At some point along its career the engine was replaced with a contemporary unit, but the original remains with the car and included in the sale.
Lot to be sold without reserve.

Note about Buyer's Premium for this lot:
The final bid (hammer) price of each lot will be subject to a buyer's premium. For MOTOR CAR lots the premium is 12% on the first $250,000 of the bid price and 10% on any amount of the bid price exceeding $250,000.