Vehicle Description
In the wake of the unsuccessful 1953 Daimler Conquest roadster, the
stalwart British automaker regrouped and took another shot at the
red-hot sports car market. In a clear demonstration of their target
market, Daimler unveiled their distinctive take on the classic
British roadster in 1959, choosing the New York Auto Show to debut
the flamboyant new sports car rather than London. All along,
Daimler had intended to call the car theDart, although a protest
from Chrysler after the New York show forced a last-minute name
change to the internal model code - SP250. The SP250 was the last
complete car developed by BSA-owned Daimler before Jaguar's
takeover, and it lives on as one of the most distinctive and unique
of all the postwar-era British roadsters. The SP250's styling was
aimed at American audiences, with its flashy tail fins, broad
chrome grille, and heavily stylized body sides. Daimler attained
the curvaceous form through the use of glassfibre for the body,
which sat on a steel ladder chassis based on the Triumph TR3.
Glassfibre was inexpensive to manufacture, and the Triumph chassis
saved considerable development costs. The SP250's trump card was
the compact, hemi-head 2.5-litre V8 engine. With 140 bhp at 5,800
RPM, the V8 engine and lightweight composite body made the SP250
one of the quickest cars in its class and could easily hang with
Austin Healeys and Jaguars, costing considerably more. Even the
London Metropolitan Police were impressed with the SP250's
performance and ordered approximately 25-30 cars for high-speed
motorway enforcement duty. Daimler expected to shift 3,000 SP250s
per year, but ultimately, just 2,654 were built over a 5-year run.
The company's sale to Jaguar did little to help, as Jaguar had
their own successful sports cars, and the SP250 was out of place,
despite efforts by Sir William Lyons to develop it further. This
1960 SP250 roadster is an appealing and attractive example of
Daimler's gusty little V8 sports car. It is presented with a
well-maintained, older restoration that shows well thanks to
regular maintenance and care. The striking metallic blue paint is
complemented by a creme beige interior, chrome wire wheels, and
whitewall radial tires. Paint quality is excellent overall, and the
glassfibre body shows good panel fit and crisp definition. Exterior
trim is also in good order, with consistent, attractive chrome
plating on the wheels, grille, and optional front bumper.
Complementing the exterior color scheme is a lovely light beige
interior. The seats and door panels are in excellent condition, and
the SP250 offers respectable room in the cabin, though the rear
bench is best left for riding "side-saddle." Clean tan carpets and
crisp, clear Smiths dials round out the purposeful cockpit. Under
the bonnet rests a period-correct 2.5-litre V8 engine, fed by twin
SU carburetors. The engine bay is neat and orderly, with good
detailing of the components and ancillaries. American muscle fans
might double-take when they see the distinct valve covers looking
like miniature versions of a MoPar Hemi. The exhaust note will also
turn heads, as the little V8 emits an addictive and throaty tone.
This Daimler is a distinct pleasure to drive on the road, with
surefooted handling from the double-wishbone front/live axle rear
suspension. Four-wheel disc brakes ensure ample stopping power as
well. In the world of Austin Healeys, MGs, and Triumphs, the quirky
and distinctive Daimler stands apart as the individualist's pick of
British roadsters, and this fine example will surely bring many
miles of enjoyment to its next long-term caretaker. Offers welcome
and trades considered For additional details please view this
listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7000-1960-daimler-sp250-roadster/
