Vehicle exhibits

The Daimler SP250 was introduced in 1959 as a lightweight British sports car aimed primarily at the American market. Originally named the “Dart,” the car featured a fiberglass body mounted to a steel chassis, a cost-saving and weight-reducing measure that was still relatively novel at the time.

Power came from an advanced 2.5-litre V8 designed by Edward Turner, featuring hemispherical combustion chambers and delivering smooth performance well beyond what its modest capacity suggested. The engine was paired with a four-speed manual gearbox, with synchromesh on the upper gears, providing a refined yet sporting driving experience.

The SP250 was also notable for its modern braking system, featuring four-wheel Girling disc brakes - an advanced feature for a production sports car of the era. Despite its innovation, early examples suffered from chassis flex, leading to later structural improvements during production.

Shortly after launch, Chrysler - whose Dodge division held the trademark for the name “Dart” - threatened legal action. With little time to develop an alternative, Daimler adopted the internal project designation SP250 as the official model name. Original bumpers were optional extras, reflecting the car’s sporting intent.

Although production numbers were low, the Daimler SP250 has earned a reputation as a distinctive and technically interesting British sports car, valued today for its unique styling, advanced engineering, and charismatic V8 performance.

Kindly Donated by Peter Osborne, Nova Scotia, Canada