- A fun and nimble British Convertible
- Equipped with a small-block Ford V-8 engine
- Finished in a light Champagne shade
LOT 338
Selling on Saturday
From the Passport Collection
1963 Daimler SP250 Convertible
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
Established in London, England, by H.J. Lawson in 1896, the Daimler Company secured the rights to use Gottlieb Daimler's engine designs. After a rocky beginning, the company was sold to Birmingham Small Arms (BSA) in 1910, where it gained stability. A key milestone came in 1902 when Daimler was granted the Royal Warrant to supply cars to the British Monarchy, a prestigious role it held until Rolls-Royce took over in the 1950s.
Over the decades, Daimler produced an array of vehicles, ranging from practical everyday cars to high-end luxury models. However, in 1959, the brand took an unexpected turn by unveiling a sporty roadster aimed at competing with Triumph, MG, and Austin-Healey. This car, originally introduced as the Daimler "Dart" at the 1959 New York Auto Show, was soon renamed the SP250 due to a trademark dispute with Chrysler. Featuring a lightweight fiberglass body and a potent 2.5-litre Hemi V-8 engine, the SP250 embodied British roadster charm and delivered impressive performance. Despite its merits, the SP250's fate was sealed when Jaguar acquired Daimler in 1960. With the legendary E-Type on the horizon, Jaguar had little need for an in-house competitor, leading to the SP250's quiet discontinuation in 1964.
Featuring a lightweight, fiberglass body, a Daimler signature, this lovely little Roadster appears to have been enthusiastically enjoyed throughout its life. Finished in a light champagne shade, the body features various road rashes, bruises, and cracks. This Daimler rides on a set of knock-off wire wheels. The cabin is trimmed in a black upholstery and black carpet throughout and features newer VDO gauges.
Under the front bonnet, the original Hemi engine has been replaced with a small-block Ford engine, possibly a 260-cubic-inch V-8. Mated to the engine is an automatic transmission. A light and nimble British Roadster, these SP250s are a thrill to drive, and this example would certainly be a fun weekend cruiser.
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