1960 Daimler Dart SP250 – Jaguar Carmen Red
The Daimler SP250, introduced in 1959, was a bold step for Daimler. Known at launch as the “Dart,” this distinctive two-seater sports car combined a lightweight fibreglass body with Edward Turner’s 2.5-litre V8 engine, delivering 140 bhp and a top speed of around 120 mph. Produced in limited numbers—just 2,645 examples before production ceased in 1964—the SP250 quickly became admired for its striking front-end design and charismatic performance. Today, it remains one of the most engaging British sports cars of its era.
The example offered here was registered in 1960 and is finished in the evocative Jaguar Carmen Red, the original colour to which it was returned during a comprehensive bare-metal restoration carried out by XJ Restorations, with over 400 hours of labour invested. In June 2020, it received a further professional respray at Painting Classic Cars of Eastbourne, ensuring a presentation as fresh as it is correct.
Mechanically, the car has benefitted from extensive care and upgrades while retaining its matching-numbers engine. The Edward Turner V8 has been overhauled by Gosnay’s Engineering, paired with a four-speed gearbox, and supported by sympathetic enhancements including rack-and-pinion steering, electric fan, brake servo, Zeus front calipers, discs, shocks, and an IRS built by AJS Engineering. Sitting on MWS chrome wire wheels with Michelin tyres, this SP250 offers both performance and reliability suited to touring and spirited driving alike.
The interior has been expertly retrimmed by C A Upton, and the original radio has been subtly upgraded to include FM and Apple compatibility, this is still in its box. The car has been used for several European tours, a testament to its road-ready condition and long-distance ability. A Jaguar Heritage Trust production record trace certificate (2017) further confirms its provenance.
This SP250 comes with an exceptional history file and accompanying items, including:
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Factory workshop manual, owner’s handbook, original parts catalogue
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Rare Brian Long reference book on the Daimler SP250
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Over 50 invoices exceeding £9,000 since 2017
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USB stick documenting bodywork, chassis, engine, brakes, interior, number stamps, and receipts
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Two large boxes of NOS spare parts
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Box file with a handwritten service log (1988–2013), original registration documents, tax discs, magazines, further invoices, and a 2025 250 PasSPort Club book
Adding to its appeal, the car is offered with a hard top requiring refurbishment, providing the next custodian with an opportunity to complete a detail in this otherwise comprehensive history of restoration and preservation.
Here is a car that has been cared for, driven, and documented with extraordinary thoroughness. It is presented not only as an outstanding example of the Daimler SP250, but as a complete package with provenance, spares, and upgrades to ensure continued enjoyment.
A rare chance to acquire one of Britain’s most distinctive sports cars in outstanding condition, ready to be appreciated by the next discerning enthusiast.
PRICE: £31995