Highlights

Pretty burgundy metallic over cream leather
One of the last 33 SP250 "Dart" models ever built
Desirable C Spec cr of which just 256 were built
Over £16,000 of maintenance since 2010
Older ‘body off’ restoration to high standard
Maintained by marque specialist Robert Grinter
Current MOT valid until May 2026 with no advisories

The Appeal

Just 256 final ‘C Spec’ SP250s left the works before Jaguar pulled the plug on this most beguiling and distinctive of British two-seaters. These cars received further improvements in addition to the important chassis modifications and strengthening fitted to the B Spec cars.

This gorgeous 1964 ‘Dart’ is one of the last 33 C Spec cars built before production ended. It is a much-historied example that was extensively restored in the late 1980s when it was refinished in the current pretty colour scheme of burgundy metallic over cream leather. It received a replacement ‘Turner’ V8 engine at the same time. Despite covering less than 10,000 miles since the restoration, the vehicle has undergone subsequent mechanical checks and overhauls by specialist Robert Grinter in 2011 and again in 2019. The same specialist has undertaken a full rebuild of the gearbox.

It is a testament to the current and previous keepers that it continues to present so well today. There are some light patina points to note in the photos, but as the photographs demonstrate, they do not detract from the overall appeal.

The vendor is a proper enthusiast and has clearly looked after the car very well. He tells us that over £16,000 has been expended on maintenance and servicing since 2010. The car was serviced in April 2024. It is an indication of his approach that despite the car being MOT exempt by age, he has subjected it to a recent MOT test. This runs to May 2026 with no advisories, giving the buyer added transparency around the condition.

This is a really lovely example of the well-regarded Dart with its smooth 2.5L V8 engine.

The vendor says:

“DWE999B is not concourse, but it is way above average and probably the best SP250 Dart on the market. It is a joy to drive with marvellous road holding, plenty of power, excellent disc brakes and a breathtakingly wonderful engine. Mechanically, everything that needs to be done has been done.”

History and Paperwork

First registered on November 20, 1964
Chassis number 104424, built on July 3, 1964
One of the last 33 "Dart" models produced
Only 256 C Spec cars were built with additional factory standard features
Six previous keepers
Current keeper since 11th June 2019
Original green log book included
Underwent major "body off" restoration in late 1980s/early 1990s
Colour changed from original Grey to Red/Maroon during restoration
This change is recorded by DVLA in July 1991
Replacement Daimler V8 engine installed during restoration
Maintained by marque specialist Robert Grinter (work in 2011 and 2019)
Current MOT valid until May 27, 2026 with no advisories
Odometer appears to have been zero’d during 1980s restoration
Recorded mileage of 9,637 miles on current engine as of May 2025 MOT
Average of 319 miles per year between 1991-2012
Average of 477 miles per year between 2019-2025
Possible discrepancy on mileage to note as described below
Kept in a heated garage by current owner
Large number of invoices and receipts as shown
Vendor advises invoices total £16,426.36 since 2010
Of these £6,582.63 spent by present keeper since 2019
Advised total expenditure since 2019 £9,229.63

Keeper details advised by seller:

No 1 - 20th Nov 1964, Roger Philip Hodgson
No 2 - 4th April 1974, Margaret Simpson
No 3 - 1985 David Beales
No 4 - 04/07/91, David Crossland
No 5 - 23/09/91, Dennis M. Wardman
No 6 - 23/12/2007, R Stevens
No 7 - 6/6/2019 present keeper

Principle expenditure from 2010 onwards advised by seller:

30/7/2010 - G Millard - £824.91
11/6/2011 - Robert Grinter [Marque Specialist] - £4692 including rebuilt gearbox and overdrive fitted
17/6/2013 - Cotswold Classic Car Restorations - £933.38
27/7/16 - Purley Road Garage- £746
12/03 /2019- G Millard - £2647.44
5/11/19- Robert Grinter Marque Specialist - £5841
16/06/23 Troupers Lodge Garage - £400.64 for service
24/04/24 Trouper Lodge Garage - 340.99 for service

Regarding the mileage, the vendor says:

"There may have been some unrecorded mileage between 2012 and 2019. I was told by the sellers agent in 2019 that the car had been kept in store most of the period between 2012 and 2019 but when purchased in 2019. I found that the odometer was not working so we cannot be precisely sure of the total mileage since the engine replacement."

The Condition

Older restoration in pretty burgundy metallic paintwork in good order
Fibreglass body presents well with well fitting panels including doors
Some blistering and chemical reaction (orange peel) in the glass fibre body
Minor rub marks where doors close onto body (not visible when doors shut)
Small stone chip on front bonnet
Chrome work appears in good condition for its age
Rear bumper re-chromed in 2019
Four chromed wire wheels in good condition
Spare wheel is painted and out of sight
Michelin XAS tyres appear old but in good condition
Underside inspected in 2019 by Robert Grinter and presents well
Same assessment made during 2025 MOT inspection
Dark mohair hood in good condition with little use
Cream coloured leather seats with red leather piping
Cream door cards and red carpets
Interior shows gentle patina relative to age
No splits or tears in upholstery
Metallic dash panel renewed in 2019
All instruments and switchgear in working order
Fitted with safety belts
Fire extinguisher fitted under driver's side dash
New windscreen, windscreen tension bar and sun visors in 2019

The Mechanics

2,548cc ‘Turner’ Daimler V8 engine
4spd manual gearbox with overdrive on 3rd and 4th
Overdrive fitted in 2011 as part of gearbox rebuild by specialistRobert Grinter
Rack and pinion steering
Stainless steel exhaust
List of recent maintenance below
Large history file showing regular servicing and maintenance
Serviced in April 2024 with few miles since
Well documented mileage with under 10,000 since restoration
Engine starts readily and runs well according to seller
We are told that the car has no mechanical or running gear faults
No advisories on current MOT

Maintenance summary:

Mechanical and Electric fans including a new Kenlowe fan fitted 2019
New radiator 2019
Replacement waterpump 2023
Alternator and extra fuel filter 2019
Extra coolant reservoir 2019
Replacement light bulbs 2019
Electronic ignition 2011
Alll new belts and hoses 2019
New clutch 2019
Electrical cut-out switch fitted
Electric plug for sat nav fitted
New track rod ends
Many other small items listed in the detailed invoices

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