Registration No: 541 XVU
Chassis No: 103755
MOT: Exempt

• UK supplied RHD example and fitted with rare automatic transmission
• Restored by marque specialist Robert Grinter Restorations
• Presented in its original Mountain Blue with a Red interior
• Offered with a collection of photographs of the restoration
• JDHT certificate, collection of invoices and current V5C document

Daimler launched their new sports car at the 1959 New York Motor Show. They wanted to crack the American market and the styling had transatlantic overtones to suit. By 1960, the Daimler Motor Company was in Jaguar's hands and the so-called B specification SP250s featured a much stiffer frame, equipped with additional outriggers and a strengthening hoop between the B-posts. The jewel in the car's crown was its engine, a silky smooth 2.5-litre V8 unit designed by Edward Turner and featuring the revolutionary hemispherical combustion chamber technology he pioneered on his Triumph motorcycle engines. With 140bhp on tap and a low all-up weight, the Daimler's performance was strong and the sound was one to savour. According to the Motor magazine test of the period, the SP250 could accelerate to 60mph in a creditable 8.9 seconds and continue on to a top speed of 123.7mph.

According to its accompanying Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, chassis 103755 was despatched to distributor W.H. Connolly of Belfast on 21st July 1961. Factory finished in the gorgeous combination of Mountain Blue with Red leather upholstery, the Daimler was most unusual in being specified with automatic transmission which has since been refined for smoother gear changes. Road registered as ‘956 BZ’ whilst in Northern Ireland and issued with its current number plate ‘541 XVU’ since returning to the mainland, the SP250 was treated to treated to an extensive, ‘ground up’ refurbishment by Dart specialist, Robert Grinter Restorations, between 2016 and 2022. The associated handwritten bills on file total almost £30,000 and list work to the chassis, body, suspension, brakes, electrics, drivetrain and steering (the latter uprated to rack and pinion). The brightwork was renewed and the interior re-trim in St James’s Red hide with Wilton carpets and a new mohair hood cost some £8,700 alone. Still highly presentable, this rare Dart is worthy of close inspection. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, Heritage Certificate and large collection of invoices.

For more information, please contact:
James McWilliam
james.mcwilliam@handh.co.uk
07943 584760