Chassis No. 100531

Engine No. 96210

Body No. 737-1151

Serial No. 778.705

Designed under the direction of Edward Turner, the combination of the lightweight V8 and the fiberglass body gave the Daimler SP 250 an excellent power-to-weight ratio, contributing to its reputation as an agile, responsive sports car. The 2.5-liter V8 was an innovative design, using light alloy construction for the block and heads with hemispherical combustion chambers. This engine was mated to a four-speed manual transmission, which was a development of the gearbox from the Triumph TR3A. Rated at 140 horsepower, this drivetrain combination could push the SP 250 to speeds over 120 miles per hour.

Filed under reference no. 10/927/37, this Daimler SP 250 was ordered new through R. M. Grossman Inc. of West Nyack, New York, on 3 May 1961. It specified Black paintwork over a Grey leather interior with black piping on the seats and door panels. It was additionally equipped with a heater/demister, leather-covered steering wheel on an adjustable steering column, chrome-plated exhaust pipe finishers, cigarette lighter, knock-off wire wheels, and a rear bumper. Once completed, the well-specified example retailed at just under $4,000.

Later, the car was acquired by noted collector Barry Flynn in 1969. Five years later, the car was sold to Richard Gallant of Ipswich, Massachusetts, before returning to Flynn 17 years later. By this time, the car is reported to have received a complete restoration with the majority of the work entrusted to an international cadre of specialists. Acquired directly from the estate of Barry Flynn, this SP 250 joined the Academy of Art University Collection in 2012. The restoration has aged gracefully, with the roadster's original color livery beautifully complementing the striking contrast of the black bodywork, the rich interior, and gleaming chrome accents.

As the final Daimler model built before Jaguar's acquisition in 1960, this lovely V8-powered SP 250 would be an unexpected and, no doubt, welcome attendee to any number of vintage motoring festival tours and events the future caretaker may set their sights on.