Daimler of England was born more than 90 years ago as an offshoot of the German company that was later to become Daimler-Benz. In a dramatic departure from its saloons and limousines, they startled the automotive world in 1959 with the Dart Roadster, a swoopy sports car powered by an advanced 2.6-liter hemi-head V-8 designed by Edward Turner. Turner was formerly with BSA and brought his motorcycle experience to Daimler as its new managing director. Using a contemporary short-stroke design, the darts engine attracted plenty of attention in a V-8 focused era, combining small displacement with the compact dimensions of a V-8 and the recognized breathing advantages of the hemispherical combustion chamber.

Aimed at the U.S. market, the Dart ran afoul of Chrysler’s pre-emption of the name for its compact Dodge, so Daimler reverted to the simpler and more appropriate, internal designation SP 250. With a chassis inspired by Triumphs’ TR3A and a fiberglass body, the SP 250 was lightweight (barely over 2000-lbs dry).

This Daimler sports car has been graced with a recent cosmetic restoration, which included fresh paint and a new interior. The paint is now finished in silver and shows nicely with the chrome work; and the interior is tailored with a red upholstery. Under the bonnet is a thoroughly detailed 2.5-litre hemi V-8 engine that is producing an estimated 140-hp. Providing gear changes is a smooth shifting four-speed manual transmission.

During the short production run of the SP250 ‘catfish,’ only 2,648 were manufactured making survivors, such as this one, extremely desirable for any collection.