Highlights
- 2.5-litre V8 engine coupled to a four-speed manual gearbox
- Upgraded to rack and pinion steering
- We’re informed that a recent previous owner spent in the region of £12,000 on improvements
The Appeal
While you might think Carrol Shelby was the first to put V8 engines in British sports cars, but a whole three years before the AC Cobra was unveiled, the Daimler SP250 was rocking V8 power straight from the factory.
Here we have a very usable 1961 SP250, that reportedly benefits from copious expenditure on servicing and improvements in recent years. With some light patination to the bodywork and interior, this is an example you shouldn’t be apprehensive about driving, which makes it all the more appealing in our eyes.
With curious styling thanks to the use of glass fibre, the benefit of a convertible roof and of course, a V8 engine under the bonnet, this Daimler is one very exciting car.
The History and Paperwork
- Just six former keepers
- The vendor has shown us a photocopied version of the V5C
- Exempt from road tax and MOT testing
- Last voluntarily MOT tested in July 2020
- The vendor informs us that a recent keeper spent around £12,000 on maintenance and improvements
The Interior
- Tan leather upholstery
- Smiths instrumentation
- Red carpeting complements the exterior
With a wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel and an array of black Smiths dials in front of you, this is a thoroughly sporting cabin.
Tan leather is used in abundance, covering not only the seats, but also the dashboard, and door cards. All the leather looks to be in very good condition with some gentle patina and there doesn't appear to be all that much wear.
Red carpeting complements the exterior colour and all looks to be in really fine shape, with some wear in places. All the instrumentation and Lucas switchgear presents well and we understand it to be in working order.
The Exterior
- Attractive red paintwork
- Striking styling with numerous curves
- GFRP body shell
- Black soft top roof
- The chassis appears in good order
Nothing before or since has ever looked quite like a Daimler SP250 and the tight radius curves can be achieved by an innovative glass fibre body shell. The paint looks really smart, with a little microblistering and some general wear in places. The vendor points out a few small signs of deterioration to the glass fibre, but overall, it still looks great.
It sits upon chromed wire wheels which are in great shape and a soft hammer is stowed in the boot to aid with tightening and loosening the spinners. Underneath, the chassis is reportedly in good order and while we noticed some corrosion in places, the vendor tells us it’s very sound.
The black soft top roof looks smart and appears to operate smoothly. The fabric remains in great shape, as do the the rear windows.
The Mechanics
- 2.5-litre V8 engine
- Twin SU carburettors
- Four-speed manual gearbox
- Converted to rack and pinion steering
- Said to driver really well
The vendor informs us that this Daimler starts promptly, drives smoothly and benefits enormously from a rack and pinion steering conversion.
That V8 engine provides ample power to the rear wheels, the upgraded steering ensures direct handling and a manual gearbox ensures this is a very engaging driving experience.
Summary
If you’re after a proper British sports car that offers open top motoring and plenty of power, we can heartily recommend this rather handsome Daimler SP250.
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UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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