Ads on Test We scrutinise four tempting buys
Want a thoroughly British classic sports car with V8 power? This restored SP250 could be just what you’re after, says Mike Renaut
– Daimler SP250 (p121), Bentley Turbo R (p122), Land Rover S1 (p125) and Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray (p126) fight for your wallet’s attention
Initial impressions are that this Daimler looks a fine example. The paperwork – and there’s a big box of it – shows it was bought by the present owner in 1983 and driven until an engine problem took it off the road around 1986. The V8, already replaced in 1967, was rebuilt in the Nineties, but the car was then dry-stored until full restoration began in 2014.
The rebuild included sensibly upgrading the chassis to B-specification (with extra chassis outriggers and strengthening) and reupholstering the interior in blue leather. More than £45k was spent and many photos of the work are included in the files. Also included is the original logbook, confirming the car has worn its ‘3785 AD’ registration from new, and correspondence between owners and parts suppliers dating back to the late Sixties.
The glassfibre body appears in very good condition with no obvious crazing, although we did spot a few blemishes, notably a small crack on the driver’s door at the base of the window frame. Although all panels open and close well there is evidence of the driver’s door catching the body around the locking plate and inner sill top, and the paint is chipped in those areas. When shut, the door gap is perfect all round. The rubber seal around the fuel cap is age-crazed and lets down the appearance, especially because overspray from a previous Signal Red paint job can be seen if you look closely.
The interior is a high point with flawless leather seats and dashboard; the carpet is also extremely good. The soft-top appears new and a tonneau cover is supplied. The boot area is carpeted to the same standard.
No central rear-view mirror is fitted (although there is a mounting post for one), the driver instead relying on a pair of door mirrors. We spotted minor surface rust spots on the fluted grille top, otherwise the bumpers, headlight surrounds and other chromework is very good. The windscreen is free of scratches. The wheels are painted dark blue and look generally very good with just a sprinkle of surface rust where the hubcap attaches on the nearside rear. Tyres are Toyos with excellent tread.
The engine fires on first key-turn and has a smooth, healthy idle that’s barely discernible. The engine bay is in very good condition although some of the wiring would benefit from a spruce-up. Everything we tested operated correctly. An electric fan is fitted, as is a stainless steel exhaust.
On the move, it delivers very decent acceleration. The gearbox is a joy to use and, coupled with the nicely weighted clutch, the car feels just as sporty as it looks. The steering is precise and the disc brakes are excellent, bringing the car up in a perfectly straight line. With the chassis a notorious weak spot of these cars, it’s reassuring that no untoward noises or vibrations emerged during our test drive.
Overall, this is a very presentable and rare car that drives superbly. A little time on cosmetic improvements for the minor blemishes would benefit it tremendously.