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!
