Offered for sale is a rare, beautiful and ceaselessly grin-inducing part of British sports car history: a 1963 Daimler SP250 "Dart". Introduced at the New York Motor Show in 1959, with its beautifully designed fiberglass body, 4-Wheel Girling disc brakes and an Edward Turner 2.5L Hemi head V8 engine, the Dart was as modern a sports car as was on the market. Only 2,600 odd cars were ever produced worldwide and finding clean, correct examples isn't a frequent occurrence. The car is so popular in England that many left hand drive examples have migrated back overseas.
This example is a C Spec version, benefitting from the more rigid Jaguar produced chassis (instituted after they acquired Daimler and found faults in the original Triumph TR3 based chassis. This example has also benefitted from a true enthusiast owner who undertook a complete restoration around 2011. The engine was removed and rebuilt, the electrical system was gone through and the brakes and clutch were redone. The interior has recently been refurbished with factory parts and cosmetics. Less than 500 miles in the last 5 years.
A much desired Daimler recommended mod includes rack and pinion steering, alloy wheels, electric cooling fan and upgraded steering wheel/accessories as a single package professionally installed. A new tan soft-top is installed. Two tonneaus, tan and black, are also provided.
The car is an absolute joy to drive. For anyone who has never experienced a Turner Hemi head V8, it entirely makes the car. An incredible throaty engine tone out of the dual exhaust recently redone with factory components from England is the first indication upon turning the key, followed by incredible force when its driver finds some open road. The engine is so strong the car can start in 2nd on a level surface and can take even a slow speed turn in 4th. All gears synchro except first. Perhaps the most fun part is that when people turn to look at what's making that beautiful exhaust sound, very few can determine what the car is. The engine idles consistently, pulls strongly through each gear, has excellent oil pressure and doesn't show any indication of overheating. The suspension feels tight and the car drives and brakes straight. It has a truly visceral, wonderfully vintage drive quality.
The fiberglass body is in excellent shape with consistent panel fits and gaps throughout. Recently repainted. New carpets and interior panels. A very clean and solid underbody. Shop manual and parts book included. Parts available but predictably expensive.
If you've specifically been looking for a Dart, or just something different in the European sports car market, this car represents a rare and excellent opportunity to acquire a solid, beautiful and mechanically fresh example. Offered at $45,500.
