THE DAIMLER SP250 IN AUSTRALIA
In May 1958 the Board of the BSA Group of Companies initiated a feasibility study
relating to the construction of a Daimler two door sports car. The study was based
using a superb new 2.5 litre V8 engine designed by Edward Turner together with a
slightly modified Triumph TR3 chassis, a fibreglass body and 4 wheel disc brakes.The business plan that was adopted was based on building 7500 cars over 3 years.
The SP250, briefly known as the Dart but renamed after the Chrysler Company
pointed out that they had registered the name for Dodge, was launched at the new
York Motor Show in April 1959 where chassis number 100010 was exhibited. Daimler
SP250s were build during the next 5 years with the last car, chassis number 104456,
being built on 29 September 1964. Of the total 2654 cars built 1453 were RHD and
1201 LHD.
There were many small and some major improvements made to the car during the five
years and production was loosely divided in to A Spec, B Spec and C Spec. It is
sometimes difficult to classify particular cars because some changes were not fitted
consistently from a particular chassis number. Some B spec cars were produced from
Chassis 102627 but cars were not consistently B Spec until chassis 102731. The first C
Spec appeared with Chassis 104162.
SP250s had an extensive and successful competition history in the UK, USA, New
Zealand and Australia.
The most significant win in Australia was achieved by brothers
Leo and Ian Geoghegan who on 30 September,1962 won the 6 hour Classic Race at
Bathurst. They won by 5 laps or approximately 20 miles.
SP250s remain popular with classic car enthusiasts with several competing vigorously in Australian historic events and classic rallies. Of the approximately 100 cars that
came to Australia, 57 are known to be in the hands of enthusiasts with 34 in running
condition.
See Australian SP250s
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