The Daimler Dart was launched at the 1959 New York Motor Show, and its
greatest success was in the American market. It had a fibreglass body, four
wheel Girling disc brakes, and a 2.5 litre Hemi-head V8 designed by Edward
Turner. They were soon forced to drop the Dart name when threatened with legal
action by Chrysler’s Dodge division, the car was then renamed the Daimler
SP250. [1]
Daimler Dart SP250: 1964 Oldtimer Ride
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Models
The original A-spec version could do 120 mph, but the chassis, a
“14-gauge ladder frame with cruciform bracing”, flexed so much that doors came
open, marring its reputation.[2]
Jaguar bought Daimler in 1960, and were immediately concerned about the
chassis flex. They brought out the B-spec version with extra outriggers
on the chassis and a strengthening hoop between the A posts. There were also
other detail improvements, including an adjustable steering column.
[1]
There was a C-spec version introduced in 1963 with some additional
luxuries as standard equipment.
2645 were produced.
Specification
ENGINE: V type, eight cylinder, water cooled, OHV, Bore 3", Stroke 2.75",
Capacity 153 cubic inches (2.547 litres) Single high camshaft operated valves
through short alloy pushrods. Double heavy duty valve springs. Aluminium alloy
hemispherical cylinder heads. Stiff 5 main bearing crankshaft, dynamically
balanced. Compression ratio 8.2:1 Twin SU carburettors. BHP 140 @ 5800 rpm. Max
Torque 155 ft·lbf at 3600 rpm. SU electric fuel pump.
IGNITION: Coil and distributor with auto and vacuum control.
LUBRICATION: Submerged gear type oil pump. Full flow filter. Sump capacity
1.75 US gallons.
COOLING SYSTEM: Pressurised radiator with fan, pump and thermostat control.
TRANSMISSION: 4 speeds with synchromesh on top three ratios. Provision for
overdrive. Automatic optional.
REAR AXLE: Hypoid bevel 3.58:1
STEERING: Cam type.
SUSPENSION: Independent front with coil springs. Half elliptics at rear.
Oversize dampers.
BRAKES: Discs on all four wheels, hydraulic operation.
Sources
- ^ a
b
[1] UltimateCarPage SP250 Dart (Retrieved 29 November 2006)
- ^ [2]Is-it-a-lemon Daimler SP250 (Retrieved
29 November 2006)
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"Called SP250 as opposed to Dart in North American since Dodge owned the Dart name.
Fibreglass body. One of only 2,648 made." |
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Here are some photos of a 1963 Daimler SP 250. These
cars were built from 1959 to 1964. They had fibreglass bodies and a 2.5 litre
(152 cu.in.) Hemi V8.
Daimler is an English car company (1896) with no
connection to the later Daimler-Benz, other than the fact that both companies
started with patents from Karl Benz, at different times.
Daimler was bought by Jaguar in 1960, and, after the
SP 250 (approx. 2,650 built) and a few continuation limousines for royalty and
heads of state, is still represented by Daimler badge-engineered Jaguars,
supplied to the European market.
Rodger M
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