More than an old car #229: Daimler SP250 'Dart'

Even as we enter the new year, I am constantly grateful for your support and interest for old cars in Singapore, and I hope to continue sharing more unique models along the way. Naturally I was compelled to share this 1963 Daimler SP250, which was an entirely accidental spot!

In 1956, Edward Turner was appointed as the chief executive of BSA's (Daimler's parent company) automotive division. As part of his task to design a saloon car powered by a V8 engine in order for Daimler to become more appealing, a prototype known as the DN250 was created. Initially, it was supposed to be named as the Dart but Chrysler had a copyright claim on it; it was subsequently renamed as the SP250 (the official project number).

A few prototypes were designed before the first production unit was unveiled at the New York Motor Show in 1959. The original version, later known as 'A-spec', did not come with front bumpers. Instead they were fitted with chromium-plated 'whiskers' and two short rear bumpers. A-spec cars were noted to have excessive body flex when cornering, causing the doors to fly open. In 1960, this was addressed with a strengthening hoop between the A posts and an adjustable steering column, known as B-spec. C-spec cars appeared in 1963 and were fitted with a heater/demister and cigarette lighter as standard, though these were also optional extras prior to 1963.

The SP250 was also subject to various modifications by coach builders, such as a coupe and bodywork added on the front and rear. Furthermore, a prototype known as the SP252 was also made but Jaguar did not bring it to production fearing that it would overshadow it's E-Type. SP250s also saw much use in races and it's engine were also transplanted on other racing cars. Interestingly, around 26 were used by the Metropolitan Police in London, where they used by the Traffic Department to catch up with speeders.

The SP250 was powered by a 2548 cc V8 engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 200 km/h with an acceleration of 8.8 seconds. It was 4077 mm long and weighed 1000 kg, with a fuel consumption of 13.7 litres / 100 km.

Production ended in 1964 with 2,654 made, of which about 1,453 were in RHD. This fell far short of Daimler's original forecast of 1,500 in the 1st year and 3,000 in each of the 2nd and 3rd years of production. An SP250 was tested in Singapore in 1961, where the reviewer was impressed by its acceleration, leather bucket seats and good visibility; it was also retailing for $11,640. 

This particular unit appears to have been imported before 2009 if the registration number is correct, and is also very rarely seen in public. Being able to see this car had always been on my bucket list ever since I knew of its existence, and I was fortunate to finally lay eyes on it when it was at a workshop. Although it may not have looked the best compared with other cars of its era, it represented a moment when Daimler dared to challenge convention by combining advanced engineering, bold performance, and unmistakable character. While it has disappeared again, I hope that you will be able to come across this rarity some day!

More than an old car #228: Ferrari 412

Ferraris are generally famous for their sporting pedigree and have also made their way into the general consciousness as being a brand for the truly rich. However, Ferrari also catered to the family unit with their rather less famous range of cars with 2+2 seating, including this 1989 Ferrari 412! 

The genesis of the 412 began way back in 1972 with the introduction of the 365 GT4 2+2. Ferrari engaged its styling partner Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina, whose three-box or sedan-style design differed from it's fastback predecessor, the 365 GTC/4. The bodies were steel with a fibreglass floor; they were manufactured by Pininfarina at Turin before being shipped to Modena for assembly. They could fit 4 adults comfortably and were geared for luxury with aircon, extensive wood trim and extensive wood trim.

 

Over the years, it evolved into the 400/400i and eventually the 412. The engine was bored 1 mm, increasing its displacement to 412 cubic centimetres for each cylinder hence leading to its name. The body was altered with a raised rear deck, increasing the boot space. Other modifications included body coloured bumpers , deeper spoiler at the front and window trim changed to black. Both manual and automatic versions were offered, though the transmission type was not labelled on the outside unlike the 400. 

 

The 412 was powered by a 4943 cc Colombo F101E V12 engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 245 km/h with an acceleration of 8.3 seconds (0-100 km/h). It was 4810 mm long and weighed 1810 kg, with a fuel consumption of 18.2 litres / 100 km.

Production of the 412 ended in 1989 with 572 made, with an estimated 82 automatic units in RHD. This unit is an original Singapore unit and is understood to be the only one here currently; it was taken off the road many years ago and appears to be undergoing restoration. It was surreal for me to see it again after almost 10 years and part of me wonders if the 412 number plate it used to carry will still be used. While models like the 308 and Testarossa are more sought after, the 412 is now gaining recognition among collectors who appreciate its elegance, usability, and historical significance. Hopefully you will be able to catch this rarity on the road soon!