Highlights
- One of only 256 'C' spec final edition models with additional comfort features
- Just three registered keepers from new
- Part of the current keeper’s collection since 2020
- Classic OEW with red interior and rare black hardtop
- Believed genuine 82,626 miles with documented history
- Voluntary MOT valid to September 2026 with no advisories
The Appeal
In the crowded world of classic British two-seaters, the SP250 always stands out. Its distinctive styling didn’t find favour with contemporary buyers, but it certainly does now. As the vendor succinctly puts it, “if you wish to travel incognito, then perhaps not the car for you.”
The final 256 ‘Darts’ were built to improve the ‘C Spec’, which was built on the structural improvements of the ‘B Spec’ cars with extra luxury features like heater blower, electric windscreen washers, and a cigarette lighter. This car was the 65th from last built and sports a lovely Old English White over burgundy leather interior. Their sales package included an extremely rare factory hard top in black. There is a recent soft top and tonneau in matching burgundy.
The car has had just three keepers from new. The vendor acquired it in 2020 to join his classic car collection. He tells us that he has used it sparingly in the summer and dry-stored it during the winter. He reports that the displayed mileage of 82,646 miles is believed to be genuine.
Since acquiring the car, the vendor has overhauled the carburettors and attended to the brakes. The clutch slave cylinder has also been replaced. We are told it has been regularly serviced. It is a mark of the seller’s approach that he has annually MOT’d the car, despite this no longer being a legal requirement. It comes to auction with a useful advisory-free MOT valid to September 2026 and, of course, that lovely Turner V8.
The vendor says:
“Driving this esoteric cruiser is an exhilarating experience. Its V8 is the party piece, but it has grown into its looks and looks like nothing else on earth. If you wish to travel incognito then perhaps not the car for you.
“This is a very nice, usable example ready to drive long distances.”
History and Paperwork
- First registered 5th May 1964
- Three registered keepers
- Current keeper since August 2020
- Purchased from Percival Motor Company
- Forms part of a classic car collection
- Kept in a dry garage
- Driven regularly but sparingly during summer months
- Maintained over winter months
- Regularly serviced by The Classic Car Workshop near Croft
- Current mileage of 82,626 is believed genuine based on MOT history
- Annual MOT testing was maintained despite not being legally required
- Current MOT valid to 5th September 2026 with no advisories
- VIN number 104391
- Factory handbooks and manual
- V5C in the current keeper’s name
- Registered as a Historic Vehicle
- Vendor informs us it is a matching numbers original engine and chassis.
The vendor says:
“Purchased by me in August 2020 from a respected classic car dealer, Percival Motor Company. Comprising part of my classic car collection and kept in a dry garage. Driven regularly but sparingly during the summer months and kept conditioned over the winter months. I have fitted static seat belts and had it regularly serviced by The Classic Car Workshop, near Croft. Mostly cleaning and adjusting the carbs, stripping the window mechanisms, replacing the clutch slave cylinder, fitment of a thermostatic radiator fan, checking callipers and making adjustments, oil changes and generally ensuring good mechanical serviceability. The bumpers have been re-chromed. I am the 3rd owner. No structural work has been necessary in my ownership as the chassis is sound and under sealed. No issues have been flagged by my classic car specialists or MOT testers. Although not required, I do have the car tested annually. The mileage is recorded as currently 82,626, believed genuine from reviewing the MOT history.
“There is limited history prior to my ownership. In 2016, there was a replacement off-side sill to the chassis. New top wishbone bushes and ball joints were replaced.
There is a substantial MOT history going back to the earliest MOT certificate issued in 1976 when the mileage was recorded as 72,815 miles. In 1991 mileage was 75,782 so the car was used sparingly or may have had some time when it was not used.
“The limited use reflects the high degree of originality that the car enjoys. We have the original log book noting that the car was first registered in the name of the supplying garage, Stratstone Ltd in Berkeley Street, W1 with original date of registration being 5 May 1964.The first owner, Mr Rylance, bought the Dart in September 1964, where it resided in Henley-on-Thames, where it stayed until the new owner was a family-owned garage, ‘The Forge Garage’, also based in Henley, who acquired the car in June 1976. It appears that another owner, Mr Hughes bought in 1993 when the car went to Maidstone. Thereafter, it was sold via Percival Classics to the current owner, who has maintained its upkeep and driven on high days and holidays.”
The Condition
- Vendor advises that car has a sound and solid body structure
- Only known replacement is the offside sill says seller
- No structural issues identified according to seller and none on MOT
- Original white/cream colour that has been repainted at some point
- Some superficial and limited crazing consistent with fibreglass bodywork and age reports the seller
- Small water-type blisters mainly on the boot upon close examination we are told
- Matching steel wheels in good order with factory chrome wheel trims
- Original red leather interior in good condition with supple and patinated leather
- All gauges and switchgear work we are told
- 'C' spec model features include heater blower, electric windscreen washers, and cigarette lighter
- Original radio fitted but non-functional
- Static seat belts fitted by current owner
- Bumpers have been re-chromed
- Exterior chromework is in fair condition with some tarnish to note
- Chassis is sound and undersealed, says seller
- Recent soft top in matching burgundy
- Partial and full tonneau covers included
- Rare hardtop included in gloss black
The vendor says:
“The Dart is extremely sound and solid, having only had to my knowledge a replacement offside sill. No structural issues have been identified. The body retains its original white/cream colour although it will have been repainted at some time previously. It presents very well, although there is evidence of some superficial and limited crazing consistent with fibreglass bodywork and its age. There are small water-type blisters mainly on the boot on close examination. That said, it looks good and presents well at any classic show.
Please tell us about the interior. How would you describe its condition?
“The Dart retains its original red leather interior which is a lovely place to pilot the Dart. The leather is supple and in good condition with a wonderful patina. All gauges and switchgear work. Being a ‘C’ spec example, it has a heater blower, electric windscreen washers, and a cigarette lighter that may be used for a GPS or phone charger. The original radio is fitted but does not work.”
The Mechanics
- 2,548cc 140bhp ‘Turner’ V8 engine
- 4-speed manual transmission with no synchro on first gear
- Weighs approximately 1,000 kg
- Regularly serviced and tuned by The Classic Car Workshop
- Runs and drives well, according to the seller as detailed below
- Thermostatic fan added
- No advisories on current MOT
Recent maintenance includes
- Carburettor clean and adjustment
- Window mechanism stripping and repaired
- Clutch slave cylinder replaced
- Thermostatic radiator fan installation
- Caliper checks
- Oil changes
The vendor says:
“The Dart is kept regularly serviced and tuned so that it drives very well and keeps up with the moderns. The V8 engine has plenty of power to move its approximate 1 ton weight and great torque. Suspension is supple giving a comfortable ride. The steering is reasonably accurate albeit heavy at parking speeds but frees up nicely at speed to allow it to be well placed on the road. With the exception of a thermostatic fan, the car is wonderfully original. So it retains all its original switchgear, manual 4-speed gearbox (no synchro on first gear).”
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..
