SP250

The Daimler Dart was a sports car built by British manufacturer Daimler in Coventry.

It was launched at the 1959 New York Motor Show, and its greatest success was in the American market. It had a fibreglass body, four wheel Girling disc brakes, and a 2.5 litre Hemi-head V8 designed by Edward Turner. Although really a two seater, the car had a small bench rear seat.

Daimler were soon forced to drop the Dart name when threatened with legal action by Chrysler’s Dodge division, the car was then renamed the Daimler SP250.[2]

Versions

• A-spec

The original A-spec version could do 120 mph (193 km/h), but the chassis, a “14-gauge ladder frame with cruciform bracing” based on the Triumph TR-3, flexed so much that doors came open, marring its reputation.[3]. Bumpers (fenders) were originally an optional extra.

• B-spec

Jaguar bought Daimler in 1960, and were immediately concerned about the chassis flex. They brought out the B-spec version with extra outriggers on the chassis and a strengthening hoop between the A posts. There were also other detail improvements, including an adjustable steering column.[2]

• C-spec

There was a C-spec version introduced in 1963 with some additional luxuries as standard equipment.

2,645 were produced.

Jaguar built a prototype replacement (known as the SP252) with a neater body style but decided not to proceed with production.

Ogle Design produced a coupe version called the SX250, but this was not taken up by Daimler and the body design was later used for the Reliant Scimitar.