Estimated Price: £24,000 - £28,000

Launched in 1959 at the New York Motor Show, the Daimler SP250, retrospectively nicknamed the 'Dart', was a rather bold move by the traditionally conservative British marque. Beneath its distinctive fibreglass bodywork lay a technologically advanced 2.5-litre V8 engine featuring hemispherical combustion chambers, alloy heads and a 5-bearing crankshaft. Designed by Edward Turner and sharing principles with both Cadillac and Triumph engineering, the engine produced 140bhp and gave the lightweight SP250 a top speed of over 120mph. With disc brakes all round and either a TR3 based 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic gearbox, the SP250 was a remarkably capable sports car of its era. Just 2,654 were built between 1959 and 1964 across three iterations, the A, B and C-spec, making it a rare and increasingly sought after British classic.

Supplied new by Central Motors of Sheffield on 4th June 1960, this striking SP250 is an early ‘A’ specification car, the 176th right-hand drive example produced out of just 1,924 'A'-specs built. It retains its original and transferable 5021 W registration number, a correct W-suffix Sheffield issue from 1960. The car was acquired by the Macmillan family in 1965 and remarkably remained with them for the next 45 years until 2010 with a period of ownership stretching from 1974 to 2010 with just one family member.

During their custodianship, a full ground-up restoration was commissioned with marque specialist, Phil Glennister of Autotec, between 2004 and 2008. Known for his work on several high profile SP250s, Glennister carried out a comprehensive rebuild to a very high standard, incorporating thoughtful upgrades while retaining originality.

The chassis was stripped, strengthened and powder-coated. The engine was fully rebuilt with reworked cylinder heads, stainless valves, a new timing cover and a stainless steel exhaust system. Reliability was enhanced by the addition of electronic ignition (Lumenition), a modern alternator conversion, electric cooling fan and a new fuel pump. The gearbox was fitted with overdrive and the steering updated to a Triumph rack and pinion setup.

Further mechanical work included uprated suspension with Triumph links, polybushes, new shock absorbers, half shafts and a brake servo. The braking system utilises the car’s original Girling discs, now refurbished and halogen headlights improve usability. Wire wheels are mounted on bolt-on hubs, with an anti-tramp bar kit and anti-fly bonnet chain also fitted.

The body was fully resprayed and all exterior brightwork re-chromed. The interior was completely refurbished in new leather with piped edging, while instruments were also rebuilt. Other subtle improvements include a relocated horn, a discreet windscreen washer system and a new wiring loom throughout.

Presented in stunning condition, the car has seen very little use since its restoration and was selected as 'Best Car of the Day' at Motorsport at the Palace, Crystal Palace, in May 2012.

This is a superb example of a very early, home-market SP250 Dart, with known ownership from 1965, a high quality restoration by a recognised marque expert and a specification that offers both period charm and real-world usability.