Daimler SP250 Dart B-Spec

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

One of the oldest and most aristocratic names in motoring history, Daimler was long famed for producing a string of formal and unsporting cars aimed at satisfying the conservative tastes of the upper-middle-class motorist.

Totally out of character, they launched one of the most outlandish sportscars ever to grace the highway. Aimed squarely at the American market, the Daimler Dart was launched at the 1959 New York Motor Show but was soon renamed the SP250 after Chrysler asserted that they had already trademarked the Dart name for a forthcoming Dodge.

In initial ‘A’ series form, the car was criticized for an over-flexible chassis and when Jaguar took over Daimler in 1960, they promptly brought out a ‘B’ spec version with a much-stiffened frame, thicker bodywork and other detail improvements.

This ‘B’ spec car was first registered 339 DPE by Lindley County Council in Lincolnshire for its first owner in 1962. It was in the hands of its third owner by 1968, an Irish medical student who took the car back home to Ireland in 1974, keeping it until he passed away earlier this year.

It was used to take him and his new wife on a tour of Africa on their honeymoon, and has remained a much loved member of the family, having covered just 82,000 miles from new.

In 2013 it was treated to a body-off restoration. This included fitting a steering rack, stainless exhaust, upgraded radiator and electric fan. New chrome wire wheels were fitted with matching Vredenstein tyres and it also had a fresh mohair hood, as well as a ½ and full tonneau.

Fitted with factory heater, fog lights and spot light, this fine three-owner example is on the market for the first time in 50 years. It has its original Buff Irish registration document which shows its previous UK details prior to 1974 and its current Irish registration documentation. It is being sold with a NOVA document.