1964 Daimler SP250 Roadster
Registration no. AJW 464B
Chassis no. 104404
Engine no. 97650

An unusual departure for a firm more noted for its stately limousines, the SP250 sports car was Daimler's final fling before the firm's acquisition by Jaguar. Aimed at the North American market and launched in 1959, the SP250 employed a separate ladder-type chassis on which sat controversially styled glassfibre coachwork constructed by Daimler themselves. Four-wheel disc brakes were an unusual feature at the time, but unquestionably the car's biggest virtue was its 2.5-litre V8 engine. An outstandingly flexible unit designed by Triumph Motorcycles' Edward Turner, the smaller of Daimler's two V8s produced 140bhp, an output good enough to propel the SP250 to a top speed of 125mph. In keeping with the demands of its intended market, automatic transmission was available as an option. The model survived Jaguar's 1960 takeover, benefiting from its new owner's attention that resulted in the much improved 'B' version. Introduced in April 1961, the SP250 'B' boasted a stiffer chassis and thicker glassfibre coachwork; its 'C' replacement, introduced in April 1963, differed only in detail. The Jaguar E-Type's arrival sounded the death knell for the SP250, which ceased production in 1964.

This beautiful 'C-series' has had only six owners from new, two of whom kept it for a combined total of 39 years. 'AJW 464B' had already been restored prior to its acquisition by the current vendor some five years ago. The engine was rebuilt in 1998, since when only some 5,000 miles have been covered. The suspension and brakes were overhauled that same year and a bespoke stainless steel exhaust system installed, while the leather upholstery and the convertible hood remain original.

Stunningly presented in its original colour scheme of black with red interior, the car currently displays a believed-genuine total of 44,527 miles on the odometer, a figure largely supported by documentation in the history file, which includes MoT certificates dating back to 1970 when the mileage recorded was 28,000. This comprehensive file also contains the original green logbook, owner's handbook, original sales brochure, copy of Manx registration book, old tax discs, owners' club correspondence, sundry invoices, magazine articles, and parts/service manuals (on DVD). One of the very best of its type currently available, this delightful SP250 is MoT'd to April 2016 and comes with a V5C registration document.