5 WAYS TO MAKE IT BETTER

1 CHANGE THE GEARING

Despite being listed on prelaunch literature, the SP250 was never offered with overdrive, but it has become a popular addition since. Laycock de Normanville units as used on contemporary Triumphs are relatively easy to fit. A lessperiod correct but more thorough option is to fit a more modern fivespeed ‘box, though you will need to purchase bespoke adapting pieces to make one fit.

2 FIT BETTER STEERING

The Daimler’s steering box was pretty normal for a late 1950s design but is loose by the standard of cars even just a decade newer, by which point rack-and-pinion set-ups were ubiquitous. It also becomes quite heavy when the car is shod with radial tyres. Rack-and-pinion conversions are very commonplace therefore, with Triumph Spitfire setups the generally favoured choice.

3 SWAP THE DAMPERS

The rear of the SP250 is fitted with lever-arm dampers, which simply aren’t as good as modern telescopics (which the Daimler does have at the front). Converting to telescopics at the rear can be done by hacking things around a bit, but a more elegant solution is one of Robert Grinter Restorations’ kits, which also have the benefit of being fully reversible.

4 ADD A BRAKE SERVO

The brakes of the SP250 are pretty good in general, but a bit heavy in their use, so some owners have fitted servos. The engine bay is tight, so placement requires creativity, but one spot is at the front, between the radiator and the grille, off to one side.

5 FIT AN ALTERNATOR

A few SP250s, notably the cars supplied to the police, were fitted with alternators, but the vast majority stuck with dynamos, which struggle to provide power at low revs. You only need to fit a few electrical modifications, like a 12v accessory outlet or upgraded headlamps, to find the dynamo doesn’t cut it when you reach your first traffic jam. The Daimler 250 V8 saloon provides all the components needed to fit an alternator.