Description
The Daimler SP250 was born in the late 1950s, a period when the British automotive industry was seeking to appeal to sports car enthusiasts, particularly in the American market. Daimler, a marque previously renowned for its more traditional luxury models, went against its usual image by launching in 1959 a compact and sporty roadster. The SP250, initially known as the Dart, made a splash at the New York Motor Show thanks to its 2. 5-litre V8 engine, designed by the engineer Edward Turner, already famous for his mechanicals at Triumph. Light, lively and very responsive, this engine gave the car surprisingly strong performance for its displacement, with a top speed exceeding 190 km/ h.
Where the SP250 stood out even more was in its bodystyle. Daimler adopted fibreglass, a modern and light material that helped prevent corrosion but gave the car a distinctive silhouette, sometimes deemed elegant, sometimes criticised for its eccentricity. Its rounded lines, protruding headlights and a fish-mouth-shaped grille earned mixed opinions, but made it an instantly recognisable model.
The car was not without its faults. The first series, nicknamed the “A-spec”, suffered from chassis rigidity problems, leading to deformations and sometimes tricky handling on the road. Daimler quickly corrected this with the later versions, the B-spec and then the C-spec, by strengthening the structure and improving the interior finish. Despite these adjustments, the SP250 remained a niche car, produced in around 2, 600 examples only between 1959 and 1964.
Its story took a particular turn when Jaguar bought Daimler in 1960. William Lyons, head of Jaguar, was not entirely convinced by the SP250’s originality and preferred to focus his efforts on house models, notably the E-Type which was soon to epitomise the quintessence of the British roadster. The SP250 nevertheless continued its quiet career under the Jaguar-Daimler banner until its definitive cessation.
In hindsight, the Daimler SP250 holds a singular place in the history of British motoring. It embodies the bold attempt by a traditional manufacturer to reinvent itself with an unconventional sports car. While its styling continues to polarise enthusiasts, its V8 engine is universally praised as a technical success and a vibrant heart that gave this little roadster a unique personality. Today, it is sought after by collectors who value its blend of originality, rarity and quaint charm.
As confirmed by its importer plaque for France, Royal Elysées – Ch. Delecroix, this example is among the rare models sold new in France. Registered on 20 May 1965, it was seen in 1990 registered in Paris, in the hands of a resident of the 17th arrondissement. Drawn to its exotic appearance, and a keen admirer of English cars, Jean-Pierre Nylin was able to acquire it in 2008. The bodywork was previously repainted and the upholstery redone in vinyl. On board this left-hand-drive example, you will find the complete dashboard, the km/ h graduated speedometer and a Moto-Lita aftermarket steering wheel; the odometer shows 4, 598 km, while it indicated 4, 573 at the last technical inspection carried out in 2014.
The car has just benefited from a full maintenance. The engine runs very well. The paint is glossy, but as is often the case with fibreglass-bodied cars, there are multiple defects.
