Keep up to date
Keep up to date with all things Trade Classics, along with new cars.
Curated Auction

1960 Daimler Dart SP250

At a Glance

Full Restoration and Engine Overhaul in 2020 | 2017 Interior Re-Trim | Excellent Presentation | Over £12K of Invoices | UK Car + Heritage Cert.

  • Mileage~27,433 on clock
  • Transmission4-Speed Manual
  • Engine2.5-litre
  • LocationBillingshurst, West Sussex

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more


Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

Days
HRS
MIN
SEC
CURRENT BID£7,000
See Bidding

AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£7,000

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Editor and Photographer

The Daimler Dart SP250 offers individuality and exclusivity, with a V8 heart and supreme comfort.

Designed for an era when export success was paramount, the Daimler SP250 carved out a unique niche by blending exceptional engineering with a sophisticated sense of style. This finned, fibreglass-bodied V8 roadster was purpose-built to conquer the vast, sun-drenched highways and boulevards of the American market.

With its dramatic, sweeping lines and impressive power, the car offered a level of build quality and performance way above the more conventional British roadsters. This combination provided Daimler with a bold, sporting identity that was entirely new to the brand.

Debuted in 1959, the SP250 remains a rare find, with only ~2,656 units ever produced. Its silky-smooth 2.5-litre V8 is the heart of the car, famous not just for its brisk acceleration and impressive top speed, but for a glorious exhaust note that complements its surprisingly comfortable ride and ample cabin and luggage space.

While famously utilised by British police as a high-speed motorway pursuit vehicle, the Daimler was often overshadowed in its day by the Jaguar E-Type. Today, however, it stands as a fascinating and characterful alternative that is both thrilling to drive and practical to own, supported by excellent parts availability and a dedicated owners club.

This 1960 home-market example, striking in red over a black interior, underwent a comprehensive restoration in 2020. Meticulously maintained and presented to a high standard, the car is accompanied by an extensive history file featuring over £12,000 in invoices dating back to 2015.

Coming to market after 4.5 years with our vendor, the sale includes two boxes of spare parts, and several upgrades. Ready for the road, it was last serviced just 100 miles ago and comes complete with its Heritage Certificate, original sales brochure, owners manual, service manual, and a spare parts catalogue. A hardtop is available as an option to the buyer if they want it, Mark told us it is not refurbished, as a shell, with no fixings, seals, or rear window.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Mark the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

Great fun to drive thanks to that superbly flexible V8 engine.

Mark bought the car from a specialist in 2021, and since used it sparingly and always keeps it stored indoors within a protective sealed moisture controlled environment.

A lack of use and the desire to enjoy other classics are the main reasons for its sale.

Mark will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Mark
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

Subjected to an extensive restoration, the Daimler is very smartly presented.

Wheels and Tyres

The 15” wire wheels are cleanly presented - the bespoke wheel spinners have a Daimler logo engraving.

The front and rear of the car are fitted with Michelin tyres with the spec of 180 HR 15 - they are date-coded from 2015 and have plenty of even tread.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

image

Bodywork

The fibreglass shell is in excellent condition, with no notable damage, fractures, poor repairs or cracks. The body is evenly mounted, and the shut lines are acceptable. The doors open with ease, although both passenger doors require a strong pull to compress the door seals and close properly.

The chassis, front crossmember and rear outriggers all look solid, with no problems noted on the underside, boot, engine bay or wheel wells of the car.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

image

Paint

The paint has a consistent finish with a positive lustre.

There was very little in terms of road wear, and the only chip we could spot was a small mark on the nearside front wing.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

image

Glass and Trim

The lights, glass and seals are in good shape, with a surface mark spotted on the driver's side glass.

The chrome is tidy, with no issues with the finish and quality of the brightwork.

image

Interior

Re-trimmed in 2017, the cabin still looks fresh.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are clean with no significant issues, and are part of a complete interior renovation in 2017.

The carpet is tidy and free of any dampness.

image

Dashboard

The dashboard padding and facia are in good condition, with a decent array of switches and controls - all are said to work as they should.

The headlining, interior trim and door cards are smartly presented.

image

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The wood steering wheel and gear lever are in good condition.

image

Mechanics

The 2.5-litre V8 performs exceptionally well and cruises beautifully.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine starts up with a liberal amount of choke, sounding even and free of any unwanted engine noises. The dashboard warning lights all stay off. The exhaust produced a little puff of smoke upon start-up, but remained free of excessive fumes as the car idled.

The engine is cleanly presented, having been subject to an overhaul in 2015. All of the hoses and ancillaries are in good condition. The master cylinder was replaced in 2021, and the starter motor was overhauled in 2019.

The gearbox operates without any reported issues; it has a precise short shift, and Mark is satisfied with the performance of the clutch.

image

Suspension and Brakes

The car absorbed the road with no unwanted noises from the wheels - the ride is comfortable and smooth.

It brakes confidently, with no unwanted feedback, squeals or pulling at the wheel.

The front brake calipers were rebuilt in 2018, and the tracking was aligned in 2020.

image

The Drive

The V8 engine suits the old-world charm of the regal driving style, providing ample pulling power with a tuneful soundtrack. The chassis is designed for stability, suiting its grand-touring mannerism; it felt remarkably stable and taut on the move.

The engine warmed up nicely and provided us with a smooth drive, with no hesitancy and a linear progression through the gears. We found a sweet spot cruising at around 50 mph, as Mark pointed out that he has not needed to drive it any faster, but feels confident that he could easily manage the motorways if needed.

The steering tracks well on the move, with no wobbles or knocks. We tried out the impressive full lock, and we couldn't hear anything untoward. The car grips well and corners evenly, free of any untoward nosies. During the short drive, we were caught in a brisk hailstorm, and it had no adverse reaction to the car's handling or performance. Mark has not reported any issues with the oil pressure or engine temperature. It was serviced around 100 miles ago.

image

Electrics and Other

The car comes with a heater, a power outlet and a provision for a radio, Mark has a radio which has never been installed, it comes in the box of spares as part of the sale. There is a full-length tonneau and hood cover included in the sale. Both provide a tight fit.

The hood is in very good condition and raises and lowers with no problems - it provides a decent seal.

image

History and Paperwork

With over £12K worth of spending over the last 10 years, it has also been well-maintained and carefully stored ever since.

First registered in London in April 1960, this home market car has had 7 registered keepers since new. It comes with a current V5, and previous documents which track back its owners to 1984. The car was categorised as a Cat C in 2008, it was MOT'd in 2009 so must've been repaired quickly after. The car was completely restored in 2020.

It received a full bodywork restoration and bare body respray by XJ Restorations. The interior was retrimmed by CA Upton, and the engine overhauled by Gosnays Engineering. Mark has a USB with images of the restoration. There are MOT certificates outlining that the car has only recorded around 14k miles since 1988.

There are invoices from 2015 to 2017, which document almost £3,500 worth of work and parts. The most recent spending includes a service around 100 miles ago, and outlines £8,500 worth of attention since 2017.

It comes with its original owner's manual, period sales brochure, spare parts catalogue and a service manual. There are also several books and magazines. Mark has also retained two boxes of spares and has told us that he has a hard top which can be included in the sale of the buyer wants it, it is not restored though, as a shell, with no fixings, seals, or rear window. The Daimler is MOT and road tax exempt, having passed its last MOT in 2021. The car has been stored in an Air Chamber dry storage bubble inside his garage.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check, as mentioned before this shows the car was a Cat C write off in 2008.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
27-08-2024 Service 27,346
06-04-2021 MOT 26,790
30-03-2020 MOT 26,779
04-08-2017 MOT 26,754
18-07-2016 MOT 26,029
17-08-2015 MOT 25,578
30-10-2014 MOT 25,467
23-04-2013 MOT 25,364
03-04-2012 MOT 25,319
05-04-2011 MOT 25,286
26-03-2009 MOT 25,266
07-01-2008 MOT 25,250
16-12-2006 MOT 25,243
04-10-2005 MOT 25,153
08-09-2004 MOT 25,116
29-08-2003 MOT 25,066
29-07-2002 MOT 25,053
01-08-2001 MOT 24,932
18-07-2000 MOT 24,753
14-05-1999 MOT 24,289
21-05-1998 MOT 23,795
15-05-1997 MOT 23,381
27-03-1996 MOT 22,877
18-04-1995 MOT 22,305
19-03-1994 MOT 21,380
27-03-1993 MOT 20,531
15-02-1992 MOT 19,685
12-01-1991 MOT 18,236
02-01-1990 MOT 16,308
21-11-1988 MOT 13,783
Key Details
  • Model Dart SP250
  • Transmission 4-Speed Manual
  • Reg. Date 14-04-1960
  • CC 2548
  • Mileage ~27,433 on clock
  • History Since 2015
  • Colour Red
  • Interior Colour Black
  • Interior Trim Vinyl
  • Chassis # 100661
  • Engine # 96290
  • Last Service 27-08-2024
  • Restored Yes in 2020
  • Engine Rebuild Yes in 2015
  • MOT Last Expired: 05-04-2022
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • Road Tax Exempt Yes
  • HPi Clear No - Cat C in 2008
  • Former Keepers 7
  • Tyre Brand Michelin
  • Tyre Age 2015
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned ~4 years, 6 months
  • Key Feature Condition
  • Vehicle Registration 956 HYL
  • Driver’s Side Right
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type 2-Door Convertible
  • Auction ID 3517


    Auction Bidding

    Live Bidding
    Current Bid £7,000
    £
    Countdown Timer
    0 Days
    0 HRS
    0 MIN
    0 SEC
    Auction Ends Thu 16th Apr at 7.20pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  7
    £7,000 bid by Billybehagg109.04.26 @ 16:53:10
    £6,500 bid by Landy8809.04.26 @ 10:35:30
    £6,000 bid by Billybehagg106.04.26 @ 17:39:29
    £3,500 bid by Richard60003.04.26 @ 17:09:51
    £3,000 bid by rob103.04.26 @ 08:52:37
    £2,500 bid by Mattym1402.04.26 @ 14:41:23
    £2,000 bid by markus02.04.26 @ 09:10:37
    SEE MORE BIDS SEE MORE BIDS
    2061
    Ask Owner
    Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
    2 Comments
    Mattym14
    Mattym14
    6 days ago

    Hi, what was the damage that caused the Cat C insurance please and who repaired it? Thanks in advance

    MORE COMMENTS MORE COMMENTS

    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a SP250 like this is £164 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Spring 2026.

    Delivery Calculator


    Vehicle Location

    Billingshurst

    Key Bidding Facts

    What is your reserve policy?

    A reserve is the minimum price a seller is willing to accept for their vehicle. We work closely with sellers to set realistic reserves that reflect current market values — we don’t take on vehicles with inflated or unrealistic expectations.

    If the reserve isn’t met when the auction ends, we’ll work with the highest bidder to try and agree a deal with the seller.

    Whether the reserve has been met may / may not be disclosed during the auction — just like a traditional auction house. Bidders usually find out if they’ve won only when the auction ends.

    As a guide:
    – If you’re able to place a second bid, the reserve hasn’t been met.
    – If you attempt to outbid yourself and the system blocks it, then the reserve has been met.

    Why shouldn’t I leave bidding to the last minute?

    Auto-Extending Bidding – we’ve developed auto-extending auctions that mimic traditional auction house bidding; it’s a key feature to make sure classic vehicles achieve their true worth. Bids placed in the last one minute automatically extend the auction by two further minutes. So there is no need to leave bidding to the last second.

    Security – we operate higher levels of security, so you may need to enter further authorisations against your stored card after you select ‘Place Bid’. All this takes time and may mean you miss the end of the auction by the time the authorisation passes. To guarantee your bid, we recommend at least five minutes are active on the auction when you place your bid.

    Network Connection – your device may lose connection and you’re not able to bid, or see the latest bidding history.