Description
The Daimler SP250, produced between 1959 and 1964, was a distinct and unconventional British sports car that represented a dramatic shift in direction for the Daimler Company. Known for its traditional limousines and formal cars, Daimler surprised the motoring world with this lightweight, open-top two-seater that blended advanced engineering with bold styling and lively performance.
At the heart of the SP250 was Daimler’s remarkable 2.5-litre V8 engine, designed by Edward Turner. Compact and lightweight thanks to its hemispherical combustion chambers and alloy components, the engine produced around 140 horsepower. This provided the SP250 with brisk acceleration and a top speed of over 120 mph, making it one of the faster British sports cars of its era. The engine had a distinct, throaty soundtrack that gave the car a sporty personality quite unlike any of Daimler’s earlier offerings.
The SP250’s body was made of fiberglass, a relatively innovative choice at the time. This allowed for weight savings and corrosion resistance, but it also gave the car a highly distinctive appearance. The styling was polarising: the front end featured a wide, oval grille flanked by bulging headlights, while the rear included prominent tail fins and a curving boot line. Some admired its individuality, while others criticised it for lacking the graceful lines of its contemporaries.
Underneath, the SP250 used a ladder-frame chassis, but early examples were known for structural flex, particularly when cornering or driving with the top down. This issue was addressed in the improved B-spec version introduced in 1960, which included extra chassis bracing. Later C-spec cars introduced further refinements and more standard equipment, including a heater and a revised dashboard.
Inside, the SP250 was straightforward but comfortably appointed. It featured leather seats, a wooden dashboard, and classic Smiths instruments. The driving position was low and engaging, and visibility was good with the top down. A folding fabric roof and optional hardtop made the car usable in a variety of weather conditions.
The SP250 was not just a private enthusiast’s car. Its performance and speed made it popular with several British police forces, who used it for high-speed motorway patrol work, particularly on the new motorways being built in the UK at the time.
Production of the SP250 came to an end in 1964 after around 2,654 units were built. Its discontinuation coincided with Jaguar’s acquisition of Daimler in 1960. Although the SP250 remained in production for a few years under Jaguar’s stewardship, the company already had its own successful sports cars, particularly the E-Type, and had little incentive to continue the Daimler-branded sports line.
Today, the Daimler SP250 is considered a quirky and engaging classic. Its lively V8 engine, lightweight construction, and unique styling give it strong character. Although never a mainstream success, the SP250 enjoys a dedicated following and has become a desirable collector’s car, especially for those seeking a distinctive and enjoyable British roadster from the golden age of post-war motoring.