SP252 boasted Aston DB look but never made it past design stages

Fast Facts

• Best model: C-spec
• Worst model: A-spec
• Budget buy: B-spec
• OK for unleaded?: Yes; just retard the ignition
• Will it fit in the garage? (mm): L4080 x W1.540mm
• Spares situation: Very good
• DIY ease?: No problem at all
• Club support: Excellent
• Appreciating asset?: Yes – quite rapidly
• Good buy or good-bye?: Good long term bet

Cabin was plush but is a cramped 2+2

V8 engine is a gem and runs on unleaded. 4.5 unit fi ts – and really goes

Detailing typical dignifi ed Daimler

Debatable looks but at least they have aged well. Do you like ‘em?

Magazine Subscription

Subscribe to Classic Motoring Magazine and save over 20%

Subscribe NOW

Available at all good newsagents including WHSmith

Hardly the prettiest of sports cars, but the Daimler SP250’s real beauty lies under the skin – as many are now discovering

There’s no shortage of fast British roadsters from which to choose if you’re after a desirable classic yet the Daimler SP250 is one of the most frequently overlooked. Perhaps it’s because of the rarity; with just 2645 built during a fi ve-year production run, there aren’t many to go round. Perhaps it’s those looks.Whatever the grounds for the SP250 being ignored, there are plenty of reasons why you want one – not least of all the performance on offer. There’s also no body rot to worry about – the glassfi bre shell is tougher than most and rarely needs any signifi cant TLC. They’re strong and with superb parts availability it’s never an issue getting the bits you need. In short, the more you view an SP250 (or Dart as it’s widely known as) the better it looks.

History

The SP250 made its debut in April 1959 at the New York auto show, where it was unveiled as the Dart. But Dodge had already registered the name and complained, forcing Daimler to come up with the rather bland SP250 moniker instead. Largely honed on the Triumph TR3 it featured the now legendary 2.5-litre V8 which was largely based on the Triumph Speed Twin motorcycle unit for 140bhp and uncanny smoothness. The intention was for the ailing Daimler company to fastrack the car into production, which resulted in a fi bgress body; metal was planned to follow but never did. After some minor re-engineering the car made its debut at the October 1959 Earls Court motor show, where it was announced that production would settle at the rate of 3000 a year, the bulk of cars going to the US. In the event, fewer than 3000 cars were made in a five-year production span, with just 1200 left-hand drive editions being produced. By October 1960 a factory hard top was available, then from February 1961, private UK buyers could specify an auto; previously this was only available to export markets and the police. But the new owners of Daimler – Jaguar – was disgusted at the car’s outdated styling and shoddy build so in April 1961 the B-Spec SP250 was introduced, with an adjustable steering column, front and rear bumpers (previously optional!), reserve fuel tank and windscreen washers. There was also a stronger rear axle, a beefed-up chassis to reduce body fl ex and revised interior trim. This would last two years, at which point the C-Spec SP250 arrived, featuring a standard heater, cigarette lighter and built-in trickle charger socket. There were plans to revamp the styling and a much more attractive car was designed. Known as SP52 one even sported E-type front suspension and steering. However by September 1964 production had ended after Jaguar realised that any new SP250 was in confl ict with its own sleeker cat. And that would never do.

Driving

The Dart is a sort of big-engined TR3 and that can’t be bad. Thanks to its novel GRP bodyshell, the SP250 weighs roughly the same as the Triumph and with that superb V8 under the bonnet really gives the Daimler some pace with it cracking 60mph in nine seconds and trucking on to 120mph – eye-opening stuff for its time yet owners easily saw more than 20mpg with silky smoothness into the bargain because top gear can trickle the car along at 20mph or go right up to the ton untroubled. That’s just as well because the gearchange is quite notchy, although it’s got a positive gate which makes it easy to live with. Although the gearbox packs just four ratios and there was no overdrive option (see Improvements section), relaxed high-speed cruising is possible, making the SP250 a brilliant cross-country tourer. It’s got a great ride too; far better than you’d think a Sixties two-seater has any right to be. The fl ip side is severe body fl ex that’s as bad as any pre-war sports car! Add heavy steering; on twisty B-roads and you have to work hard at the wheel although we hear that a conversion to rack and pinion transforms the Dart. The seats also aren’t as supportive as they might be, although the cabin is generally a great place to be as it’s cosseting and snug although best as a roomy two-seater rather than cramped 2+2. It’s warm too if the heater (originally an option) is fi tted!

Prices

Even though many reckon the SP250 is ugly, that doesn’t stop demand outstripping supply to a massive degree. Although most buyers want something really nice that needs nothing doing, values of all cars are high. Even a complete box of parts will cost at least £6000; expect to pay at least double this for a usable car that’s a bit tatty. Really nice SP250s cost at least £16,000 while a superb example is around the £25,000 mark. The best (we mean exceptional) cars are now changing hands for around £30,000 – and there’s every sign of values creeping even higher.

Improvements

For various reasons, SP250s bonnets have a habit of fl ying open on the move, so you need to check for damage. As well as its securing latch wearing, the radiator supports can corrode. They are made of steel but coated in glassfi bre and are structural; if they rot, the car’s nose can fl ex leading to the bonnet opening as the car is being driven. A caring owner will have fi tted a safety latch; if this hasn’t been done, then it’s well worth investing in one for just £20 or so; they’re available from the Owners’ Club. Unusually, the steel wheels can also give problems as they’re prone to cracking around the mounting holes – which is why many owners fi t Miniites or wires. However, some owners substitute Triumph TR items instead if they’re keen to stick with pressed steel. Other useful updates include grafting on a more modern rack and pinion steering(Triumph derived; £1200), overdrive (TR) and perhaps another engine. Some SPs run on alien V8s or the larger 220bhp 4.5-litre Daimler lump, which Jaguar also tried in development Mk10 saloons. In the lightweight Dart it makes the SP a real E-type-eater although the stock 2.5-litre has amazing tuning potential. But if 140bhp is enough for you, simply invest in an electronic ignition.

Three Of A Kind

Alfa Romeo 2600

If you thought the SP250 was rare, they’re positively ubiquitous compared with this gorgeous Italian, styled by Touring and offered in open or closed forms. Right-hand drive cars are even rarer, so you’ll probably fi nd left hookers only; don’t be frightened off by that as the straight-six in the Alfa’s nose is a true great that powers the car to an impressive 125mph.

Austin Healey 3000

You’ll have no trouble fi nding a big Healey for sale – the problem may be in paying for it. Despite the 3000 having survived in big numbers, they’re massively sought after so prices are high. There were three editions of the 3000, the newer the model, the more valuable it is. With a muscular 3-litre straight-six up front, performance is on a par with the Daimler SP250.

Sunbeam Tiger

With its fi n-tailed styling and a V8 up front, there’s fair similarity between the Daimler and the Sunbeam Tiger and that goes for performance, too. American Fordpowered this audacious Alpine was also tried with the Daimler engine during development by Jack Brabham! Aimed at the US market, most went there and less than 30 MK2s were made for the UK. Highly prized, all of them.