Highlights
- One of only 474 desirable B-Spec model with improved chassis
- Just 2,700 miles since comprehensive restoration and retrim
- Fascinating international history including time in Canada and New Zealand
- Fully recommissioned by a Daimler/Jaguar specialist
The Appeal
The SP250 is one of those motoring gems where events conspired to stymie its true potential. Underdeveloped when launched, then killed by Jaguar just after it had been properly sorted, it is the sort of rare, distinctive and characterful V8 roadster that makes contemporaries seem rather dull.
Just 2,654 SP250s were built, of which only 474 were the desirable B Spec models like this one. These cars got the extensive Jaguar-engineered chassis improvements that sorted the car’s early problems. Equipped with Edward Turner’s hemi-head 2.5L 140bhp V8, if you’re after a ‘60s two seater that doesn’t follow the crowd, then these extremely rare cars make very compelling modern buys.
This 1963 car was extensively restored in British Colombia, including a colour change to vibrant yellow. The vendor reports that the work included overhauling the suspension and brakes. The interior was also retrimmed, the black trim edged in yellow to suite with the paint. The car may also have spent time in New Zealand before arriving in the UK. On arrival we’re told that it was fully recommissioned by a Daimler/Jaguar specialist. It has covered only 2,700 miles since the earlier restoration.
The Dart is one of classic motoring’s most daring designs. This car, in its stand-out colour scheme, has the specification and provenance to warrant serious consideration.
History and Paperwork
- First registered in 1963
- Chassis number 104203
- Final SP250 chassis was 104456
- Vendor states car is a B Spec car
- DVLA records first UK registration in January 1972
- Two UK keepers recorded
- Current keeper since July 2022
- Last MOT ran to November 2023 with no advisories
- 2,713 miles on last MOT test and 2,727 miles showing in photos
- We are told the car was MOT’d following mechanical recommissioning
- New Zealand Daimler Owners Club sticker on windscreen
- One of approximately 2,654 SP250s ever produced
- Only 474 B-Spec cars were built like this one
- B-Spec model featuring the factory chassis reinforcements introduced in 1960-1963
- Originally finished in Tudor Grey, now presented in yellow
- Car cover included
- Restored in British Colombia according to seller
- Recommissioned by Daimler/Jaguar specialist since arriving in UK
- Vendor states the car has covered 2,700 miles since restoration
The Condition
- Fiberglass body presents well in its bright yellow finish
- Chromework appears to be largely original and shows light wear
- We are told that the chrome has been carefully restored and polished
- Period-correct steel wheels with chrome hub caps are factory correct
- Underside as shown in photos with no advisories on last MOT in 2022
- Reupholstered leather seats appear in smart condition for their age
- Interior retrimmed in black with yellow piping including to door trims
- 2+2 layout with small rear bench seat
- Three-spoke wood-rimmed steering wheel
- Restored dashboard and gauges reported to be functional
- New soft-top roof fitted wth matching tonneau in excellent working order
The Mechanics
- 2,548cc Hemi-Head V8 engine producing 140 bhp at 5,800 rpm
- Twin SU carburettors
- 4spd manual transmission
- Four-wheel Girling disc brakes
- Braking components fully inspected and serviced we are told
- Refreshed suspension system
- B-Spec chassis features additional outriggers and bulkhead strengthening
- Capable of 0-60 mph in just over 9 seconds with a top speed exceeding 120 mph
- Recently recommissioned by a Daimler/Jaguar specialist
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