Description
This exceptionally well presented Daimler Dart SP250 was ordered new by Stratstones Mayfair on the 26th November 1962 to B specification but not registered to its first owner until the 5th April 1963. The Daimler was supplied new to a Mr Ellis in South Eaton Place in the exclusive Belgravia area of London. The cars London registration mark 641 FLH is still with the car today, along with the original ‘buff’ logbook and MOT’s from when the car was just seven years old.
Our Daimler was used on a regular basis throughout the 1960's and 1970's but then spent almost 30 years off the road. Over the latter part of this period the body was removed from the chassis and the car then built from the bare chassis up. Photos show the bare chassis in primer, then painted and then being built up to a rolling chassis with the engine fitted. The body was then prepared and re-fitted to the chassis.
In 2007, the Daimler was taken to a SP250 specialist and subject to a mechanical overhaul. The engine was stripped and rebuilt with new main and big end bearings, new pistons, timing chain and tensioners and the cylinder heads completely rebuilt. The Dart was also fitted with new rear shock absorbers, trunnions and trunnion bush kits, top poly wishbone bushes, front springs, front shocks and new hub bearings. There is also paperwork on file for a gearbox rebuild, rack and pinion steering conversion and pages of invoices from David Manners for new brakes, coolant pipes, radiator, water pump, dynamo and many new gaskets, washers, trims and rubbers.
The Daimler was superbly painted in British Racing Green, the upholstery fully re-trimmed and various brightwork replaced. Since completion, the Daimler has only covered 4000 miles so whilst now an older restoration, it drives superbly and feels very fresh, direct and sharp. The car presents superbly with a nicely aged feel to it, and having had the major mechanical work carried out by SP250 specialists, the Dart feels absolutely right with an impressive, strong and fit Edward Turner V8 engine. 641 FLH is a fabulous example, it's a car to drive and enjoy, whether it be for long distance touring or the show scene, this is car that will prove a joy to own as it has done for its previous owner of eight years.
