Beschreibung:

Introduced at the New York Motor Show of 1959 the Daimler Dart was a V8 powered sports car with controversial styling. The Dart name was soon dropped after the threat of legal action from Chrysler who had a car of that name within their Dodge division; thereafter this new sports car was known as the SP250. Power was provided by the 2.5 litre Edward Turner designed V8 that soon became revered for its smoothness in its power delivery with 140 bhp on tap. Independent double wishbone front suspension at the front and half elliptical springs at the rear with a live rear axle kept the car on the road with stopping power supplied by hydraulic disc brakes on all four corners. The coachwork was constructed with glass reinforced plastic combining a tough, strong and lightweight shape that enhanced performance with the exciting and non traditional looks. Out of the 2500 SP250s manufactured, 1453 were right hand drive. The 120 mph plus capability was recognised by the police and they were soon being used as a high speed chase cars. We are proud to present today an excellent example of the marque having had only four previous owners and having only completed 2500 miles since restoration. Being a late 1962 model, this SP250 is a 'B' spec car in rare automatic form and is not one of the high mileage ex police cars that the automatics usually are. 3773 RH also has the advantage of having the optional 'C' spec features which include; heater, de-mister, reserve fuel unit, windscreen wash and cigar lighter. The car also benefits from having the much sought after optional hardtop. Between 1995 and 1998 a comprehensive body off restoration was undertaken. Works during this period were extensive as may be verified with an inspection of the history file. These works are too numerous to mention here, however, they include repairs to the glass fibre body, coachwork repaint, engine rebuild, gear box rebuild, new headlining within the hardtop, rebuilt suspension, rebuilt rear axle, new torque converter, and many other works to facilitate such a major overhaul. Other works during this period include the fitment of a Panhard rod for sharper rear end handling, a steering rack to replace the heavy to operate steering box, a Kenlow fan and the seats were stripped with new cushion materials being fitted; the original covers were kept to maintain originality. The chassis was also stripped painted and filled with oil to ensure complete protection. All in all these bills totalled over £33,800. The current owner acquired this SP250 in 2001 and undertook further works to maintain the high standard of this motor car, these were, a new tonneau cover, renovated and painted hood frame, new hood, manifold heater pipe modification, convert the electrical system to negative earth, fit electronic ignition, coil and regulator. More recently a new SU fuel pump and Bosch battery have been fitted as well as a full engine and brake service having been completed in January 2012. Today 3773 RH presents very well and sits upon four chrome wire wheels, with a fifth as a spare, and all with very good Avon Steel radial tyres. The coachwork is resplendent in dark blue with no visible signs of cracking to the glass fibre and the panel gaps are exemplary for this model. The exterior is complemented by a leather interior that displays a fine patina but remains very smart. All the instruments and gauges work as they should and the vendor states that the drive is excellent. An original owner's handbook, sales and service book, a list of period dealers and the original buff log book accompany this Daimler. 3773 RH has a current MoT certificate and valid Historic road fund licence. With Daimler SP250 prices on the rise, this car represents an opportunity to acquire a fine example of the marque.