1962 Daimler SP250 Dart
B-Spec US Car with Good History
1962 Daimler SP-250 Dart for sale with unusually good ownership documentation, an exceptionally clean and well-running example. This SP250 was sold new from New York to a professor of biology at Yale, known for his work in genetics and the author of "Modern Genetics". In 1970 he sold it to the second owner in Connecticut. It stayed in that family until 2004. It spent an undetermined number of years of this period in storage in the family's garage. The owner's wife listed it up for sale in 2004. It was then acquired by a collector on Long Island who "woke it up" and did a light mechanical restoration. Early in his ownership the lower end of the engine failed. A replacement engine was obtained from the leading US authority on SP250s (New England Auto Restoration) and installed in the car. It was then sold to an enthusiast in Florida in 2010 who repainted it and refurbished the interior. In 2013, it was purchased by its current California-based owner. It has spent most of its time in storage since then, due to his move to the UK in 2015. It has been maintained, driven, and and kept in good fettle by a highly reputed British restoration shop in his absence.
The car is unusually well-preserved and (except for the changes noted above) exceptionally original. All running gear is strong and trouble-free. It's a pleasure to drive with the signature growl from the 2.5 liter, Edward Turner designed hemi V8. Underneath, the car is exceptionally corrosion-free and untouched, with original paint on the frame members. There is no evidence of any damage. The car's original bumpers were removed but replacements can be sourced by a new owner from the UK if desired. (Deleting bumpers is a common aesthetic change by SP owners though it is unfortunate that the owner in this case did not keep the parts). Steering and cooling (often weak points on these cars) are in good order. There is a binder documenting the car's history. It is being sold with regret by its owner, who has owned 9 SP250s in the past 38 years but no longer has space or time to enjoy it. He hopes that it is placed with a long term owner who appreciates the cars.
With just 2,645 produced over five-year production span, SP250's
have become rare and sought-after collectibles. The B-Spec version
included some serious chassis reinforcements that massively reduced
flex. And with a 2072lb curb weight and 2548cc V8, 16 overhead
valve engine they are plenty fast, rated at 0-60mph 8.9 seconds,
putting out 140bhp @ 5800rpm with 155lb ft of torque @ 3600rpm.
This is a beautiful Dart with a clear history, solid frame,
straight body, and lovely red leather interior. It's reliable and
drives wonderfully with plenty of power, excellent shifting,
braking and suspension and is in excellent working order. Call Donn
at 707-332-8331.
