Highlights

Well-kept Old English White SP250 with black interior
Desirable later B-Spec car with stronger chassis
Restored to a high standard in 1980s and carefully stored and used since
New engine and gearbox overhaul in the 2020s
Remained in same family since early 1990s
In one family's ownership for over 35 years
Good history file including the original 1960s service manual
Recent voluntary MOT for buyer transparency

The Appeal

Few British post-war roadsters have the character and individuality of a good SP250. Combining quirky styling, built using cutting edge materials, with Edward Turner’s lovely 2.5L V8, the few cars built are garnering increasing appreciation from enthusiasts looking for something a little different.

The early cars are the ones that gave the car its reputation for under-development, but it is the later B-Spec and C-Spec cars that properly sorted these foibles. This pretty Old English White 1961 car is one of the Jaguar-engineered B-Spec models with the stronger chassis that resolved those early issues.

We are told that the car was exported when new to Hong Kong, where it is said to have resided until 1989 when it returned to the UK. Just before returning, it was comprehensively restored to a high standard by Hong Kong Aircract Engineering Ltd. The vendor’s father bought the car in 1991, using it regularly but sparingly and professionally storing it inbetween. It return to Hong Kong under his ownership, before returning again to the UK. The engine was replaced and the gearbox overhauled in the 2020s.

The car is naturally MOT exempt but a recent August 2024 test gives buyers some transparency about the current condition. The car presents well in photos and, as a desirable B-Spec RHD car, will surely be appealing to the growing number of SP250 enthusiasts.

The vendor says:

“The car is in great condition after being looked after for over 30yrs by my late father. It has received standard servicing & major servicing, driven sparingly and stored in covered storage when not used. It is currently in Edinburgh but due to the death of my father, it is no longer needed by my family.”

Additional history information from the SP250 Owners' Club:

"This is a one-off special personal order in October 1961 for a Mr Lau, who had an address in Hanover, New Hampshire, USA and Hong Kong. It was specified as RHD to 'B' spec (upgraded chassis) Daimler Ivory with red lether interior with the seats and door car pockets piped in Ivory. Fitted up with painted wire wheels; tonneau cover; heater & de-mister; full-width front bumper with quarter flashers (cats whiskers) - most unusual to specify both -; sports-type rear bumpers (not full-width). It was made ready for shipping early November 1961. Subsequent owners noted: John Robertson in Hong Kong - as owning in 1980: then in the UK by Fred Kinmouth of Essex in the mid-1980s and into the 1990s."

Key Information

Mileage: 75,200 miles (stated as correct by the vendor, not warranted)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT exempt, last voluntary MOT expired August 2025 with minor advisory
Technical specs: 2,548cc V8 petrol, four-speed manual
Paperwork: History file including the original 1960s service manual, V5C

The Detail

VIN number 103839 identifies car as a B-Spec car built in RHD in late 1961
Old English white paintwork following older restoration in 1980s
Car presents very well despite being an older restoration
Condition reflects long term, careful keeper and professional storage
A-Spec ‘whiskers’ not fitted to B-Spec cars so may be part of 1980s restoration
Exterior chromework presents well with few signs of age
Black folding roof appears to be in good condition and working order
Underside as shown with no structural advisories on last MOT test in August 2024
Painted wire wheels in good order with matching spare
Matching vintage Michelin tyres fitted appearing to be in good order
Black 2+2 interior in very good order with no obvious modifications
Fitted with three spoke wood rimmed Moto Lita wheel
New engine fitted as part of the 2020s mechanical overhaul
Gearbox overhauled during the same programme of work
Regular mileage-based servicing carried out since 1990s we are told
Vendor describes the exterior as all standard and in good condition
Seatbelts fitted in 2010
Whilst the vendors father was alive it was stored in covered storage in Essex when not in use

BEFORE YOU BUY

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