Cars

The Daimler SP250 was born in the late 1950s, a period when the British automotive industry was seeking to appeal to sports car enthusiasts, particularly in the American market. Daimler, a brand hitherto renowned for its more traditional luxury models, went against its usual image by launching a compact, sporty roadster in 1959. The SP250, initially known as the Dart, caused a sensation at the New York Motor Show thanks to its 2.5-liter V8 engine, designed by engineer Edward Turner, already famous for his Triumph mechanicals. Light, responsive and very smooth, this engine gave the car astonishing performance for its displacement, with a top speed in excess of 190 km/h.

Where the SP250 stood out even more was in its choice of bodywork. Daimler adopted fiberglass, a modern, lightweight material that prevented corrosion but gave the car a distinctive silhouette, sometimes considered elegant, sometimes criticized for its eccentricity. Its rounded lines, prominent headlamps and fish-mouth grille earned it mixed reviews, but made it instantly recognizable.

The car was not without its faults. The first series, nicknamed the “A-spec”, suffered from chassis rigidity problems, resulting in deformations and sometimes tricky roadholding. Daimler quickly corrected the situation with subsequent versions, the B-spec and then the C-spec, by strengthening the structure and improving the interior finish. Despite these adjustments, the SP250 remained a niche car, with only around 2,600 produced between 1959 and 1964.

Its history took a particular turn when Jaguar bought Daimler in 1960. William Lyons, head of Jaguar, was not totally convinced by the SP250’s originality and preferred to concentrate his efforts on in-house models, in particular the E-Type, which was soon to become the quintessential British roadster. Nevertheless, the SP250 continued its quiet career under the Jaguar-Daimler banner until it was finally discontinued.

Looking back, the Daimler SP250 occupies a singular place in British motoring history. It embodies a bold attempt by a traditional manufacturer to reinvent itself with an atypical sports car. While its lines continue to divide enthusiasts, its V8 engine remains unanimously hailed as a technical success and a vibrant heart that gave this little roadster a unique personality. Today, it is sought after by collectors who appreciate its blend of originality, rarity and old-fashioned charm.

As confirmed by the nameplate of the brand’s French importer, Royal Elysées – Ch. Delecroix, this model is one of the very few sold new in France. Registered on May 20, 1965, it was found in 1990 registered in Paris in the hands of a resident of the 17th arrondissement. Seduced by its exotic appearance, and a great lover of English cars, Jean-Pierre Nylin was able to acquire it in 2008. The bodywork has been repainted and the skai upholstery redone. This left-hand drive features a full dashboard, an km/h speedometer and a Moto-Lita accessory steering wheel. The odometer shows 4,598 km, compared with 4,573 km at the time of the last technical inspection in 2014.