1963 Daimler SP 250 Roadster

Daimler had a reputation for its stately limousines and in the post-World War II era, remained the automobile of choice for the Royal Family. Their automobiles were renowned for comfort, conservative styling, and reliability. Breaking from tradition, the company introduced the Daimler SP250 sports car at the New York Auto Show in 1959 (initially called the 'Dart,' the name was changed following a protest from the Chrysler Corporation). It was low, sleek, and aerodynamic with a separate ladder-type chassis, fiberglass coachwork, four-wheel disc brakes, and an all-new Daimler-designed 2,548cc overhead valve V-8 engine with hemispherical combustion chambers and 140hp plus on tap. It was the smaller of Daimler's two V8 engines but was good enough to send the SP250 to a top speed of 125 mph. A four-speed manual transmission was standard, but in keeping with the demands of its intended market, automatic transmission was available as an option.

The Damiler SP250 was the final 'hurrah' before the struggling company was acquired by Jaguar in 1960. With Jaguar's 1961 introduction of the E-Type there was no place for the SP250, and it faded from production in 1964 after only 2,648 had been built. Before its demise and following Jaguar's takeover, a much-improved 'B' version was introduced in April 1961. The SP250 'B' boasted a stiffer chassis and thicker fiberglass coachwork. The 'C' version was introduced in April 1963 and differed only in detail.

This 1963 Daimler SP250 Roadster is powered by a 2,548cc OHV Hemi-head V8 engine with two SU carburetors and 142 bhp at 5,800 RPM. It has a four-speed manual transmission and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. It wears a metallic blue paint scheme and retains its original handbook and Manufacturer's Warranty certificate. It was owned by the noted naval architect Rodger Martin, a local Newport, Rhode Island enthusiast, for many years. Its original owner was Alonzo E. McLaughlin Jr. of Brentwood, New York, who received his car through agents Raymond Foreign Sales Corp of Islip, New York.

Mr. Martin acquired the SP250 in the mid-2000s. He showed it at local events such as the Newport Car Festival in 2006 and Portsmouth in 2008, and was rewarded with Best in Class silver plates. More recently, the car was driven to and from Nova Scotia for a British Car tour.

The car's current caretaker gave it a full set of custom-made, professionally fitted Wilton wool carpets, and the door cards have been replaced.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2024