Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the BRDC Classic 2026 - Collectors' Cars on Saturday the 25th of July, The Wing, Silverstone Circuit, NN12 8TN. The Daimler SP250 Roadster occupies a distinctive place in British motoring history, combining lightweight glassfibre construction with Daimler’s characterful 2. 5-litre V8 engine. Introduced in 1959, the SP250 offered strong performance and a unique driving experience, and in later ‘C’-specification form benefitted from chassis improvements that enhanced rigidity and overall road manners. This particular example, chassis number 104270, is a late ‘C’-specification car manufactured in 1963 and originally supplied by Stratstone of London on 21 July that year, complete with factory hardtop. It was finished in Daimler Ivory, equivalent to Jaguar Old English White, with black interior trim and ivory piping, a combination it retains today and one that suits the model’s elegant lines particularly well.
The car was acquired by a previous long-term owner in 2004, at which point it was described as mechanically strong but cosmetically in need of attention, although notably retaining an excellent glassfibre body. A comprehensive restoration followed, carried out to a high standard with a clear emphasis on preserving originality wherever possible. Period features including the EKCO 917 radio and Jaeger clock, both fitted from new by its first owner, were retained as part of this approach. Mechanical enhancements have been introduced with usability in mind. The car is fitted with overdrive and, during restoration, benefitted from the addition of rack-and-pinion steering, along with electronic ignition fitted more recently. These improvements are understood to enhance drivability whilst maintaining the car’s original character. The V8 engine remains a defining feature, offering strong performance and flexibility, with the ability to pull cleanly from low revs and deliver a rewarding driving experience.
Following its restoration, the car achieved considerable success on the concours circuit, including being awarded ‘Best in Show’ at the 2006 Classic Car Show at the NEC, a notable accolade that reflects the quality of its presentation. It has since become well known within the Daimler & Lanchester Owners’ Club, representing the marque at events and featuring in a number of publications. Purchased by our vendor in September 2014, the car has since formed part of an exceptional private collection and has been maintained by the collection’s in-house mechanic. During this period, it has been used selectively and continues to present in excellent condition throughout. It has also continued to be shown with success, reinforcing its reputation as a particularly fine example.
Displaying approximately 70, 600 miles at the time of cataloguing, the Daimler is accompanied by an extensive history file. This includes a dating certificate, invoices, expired MoTs, period tax discs dating back to 1974, a photographic record of the restoration and various items of associated memorabilia, along with evidence of its magazine features. Offered complete with its hard top, separate hood and original hood bag, together with an extensive tool kit, this SP250 represents a rare opportunity to acquire a well-known, multi-award-winning example of a distinctive British sports car, presented in exceptional order and ready for immediate enjoyment.
