To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVEEstimate:
$60,000 - $75,000
- One of just 2,468 examples produced from 1959-1964.
- Powered by a 140hp 2.5-litre "hemi-head V-8 engine.
- Four-speed manual transmission.
The Daimler SP250 was a totally new venture for one of Britain's
most established auto manufacturing firms. Daimler was in dire
straits by 1959 and owner BSA (motorcycles) thought a sports car
tailored to American tastes would help turn the company fortunes
around. The Dart, as it was first known, debuted at the New York
Auto Show; the name later changed to SP250 due to complaints from
Chrysler. The new moniker reflected the size of 140 bhp 2.5-liter
hemi-head V-8 engine designed by Edward Turner, a recent arrival at
Daimler from Triumph. Along with a standard four-speed gearbox, the
2,200-pound car was cable of 0-60 mph in 10.2 seconds and a top
speed of 120 mph.
Its chassis and suspension mimicked the Triumph TR3 of the same
vintage; however, the simple design was thought to be lightly
braced and too flexible for the powerful motor. Jaguar purchased
Daimler in mid-1960, simultaneously providing the SP250 with a
stiffer body and suspension changes to improve handling. SP250's
were raced for several seasons in both Great Britain and the U.S.
Just 2,468 of the fiberglass-bodied roadsters were produced from
1959-1964.
Finished in a Silver Blue Metallic with a tan Everflex convertible
top and matching interior, this "catfish," as the SP250's were
known, is fitted with blackwall tires on 48-spoke knock-off wheels.
Chrome is described as excellent and inside you find both a heater
and the original Smiths gauges. The engine bay is tidy and
well-cared for and the 2.5-litre V-8 and four-speed manual
transmission will make for spirited driving. Looking for a
fun-to-drive, yet uncommon sports car for the next outing, this is
the perfect one!To view this car and others currently consigned to
this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo20.
