A first-rate sports car buy
Our guru on what made this Daimler a great deal
CAR 1961 Daimler SP250 SOLD £25,875 ORIGINAL ESTIMATE £30-35k, H&H Classics, 27 April It’s not the opinion-splitter it once was – but this one was still below its estimate.
Forget all the cliches about the ‘Dart’ being a divisive buy that classic fans either love or hate – values have been on the rise because it has been overlooked or avoided for too long as enthusiasts seek out something more svelte. However the SP250 can be very colour-dependent and certain hues help its case and others do not. This example came to the sale in one of the best shades offered yet it still slipped away from the auction beneath its £3035k pre-sale estimate.
This one had the right history behind it.
To kick off it had only had two owners from new. Someone in Edinburgh had bought it from a Durham dealer in July 1997 on the understanding that it had one previous owner and had covered 38,000 miles. Adding to its appeal was that the paint, leather interior and carpets were original. There was older correspondence from its Morecambedomiciled owner to Daimler regarding an engine overhaul and rear axle replacement in August 1964, when the car had covered 18,000 miles. Coming considerably up to date H&H said that the ‘250’ had passed its MOT in May 2021 following a full re-commissioning, having been dry-stored since 1997. New hoses, leads, lines, gasket, plugs, condenser, points fluids and braking components all helped this car’s case. Also included was the expired blue and cream V5 registration document.
It was good – but not perfect.
Things were pretty good externally although not immaculate, but the SP250 is a model that can carry patina proudly. The paint was still smart in most places, the wire wheels good and the brightwork in fine order throughout. Original raised-letter registration plates added to the looks, too. Inside, all was good but again not immaculate. The seats showed signs of use and while the leather had stretched it was clean and presentable, as were the dashboard, door cards and carpet, although a decent clean would have helped. The boot area was clean and tidy and the engine in very presentable order.
This one was a first-rate buy.
The SP250’S devotees will happily stump up for the best-condition examples, but it’s clear that there isn’t as much competition as there once was for those that aren’t immaculate. However, this one was a fine example of the breed, its case helped by low ownership, low mileage and a great deal of recent work. For the intending SP250 owner this was one not to be missed and the buyer came away with a first-rate buy.