I am still amazed at the number of SPs that crawl slowly out of the woodwork in various forms, recently this video was sent in which shows an SP at 4.22 minutes into the clip. https://metro.co.uk/2024/04/03/explorer-stumbles-across-graveyard-classic-cars-middle-forest-20583646/ however, as yet, unable to confirm its identity. Whereas, the US website Bring-a-Trailer is always an interesting site to follow as recently this SP ,an unknown known, came up for sale in Oregan https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1962-daimler-sp250-9/ making the 1762nd UKK – not bad a survival rate of the 2654 made. I am pleased to write that the new owner has made contact. Recently there have been a number of SPs using this platform that have found new owners.
Glyn Overy is actively working on the forthcoming updated edition of pasSPort, please make sure you are included I have also attached the form used for inclusion. Moreover, if you can help sustain this very useful private publication by supporting it with a commercial/professional advert or just plain cash get in touch with Glyn at glynovery@talktalk.net it is after all a vital glovebox tool.
The May edition of Classic Cars has SP enthusiast Quentin Willson picking the SP along with four other Classics as a ‘smart buy’ in ’24. QW- “A Dart is an enormously special, long-lasting classic with a lively turn of speed.” Quentin should know his SPs, as over the years he has owned, I think, at least four. His most famous UGS 5, once in the Strathmore family at Glamis Castle, will be on the SP250 club stand at this years’ NEC Classic Car Show in November.
The weekly Autocar magazine of 13th March run a short article on interesting engines the world forgot wherein it states of the Turner engine “it was smooth and sweet unit that deserved a longer and more extensive life”. (its downside was the engine was not built for mass production, it later found its way into the most profitable Jaguar ever produced – the V8 250 Daimler saloon – LCJ) The mint SP portrayed alongside the article is owned by Gloucestershire based enthusiast Nicholas James.
I am most pleased to report that Robin Read is the saviour of the SP moulds that failed to sell at auction earlier this year. Robin secured these for a token sum. No doubt we might see an SP of sorts tearing down the Santa Pod strip in the future.
We have a couple of spaces available for the Norfolk run on 3-5 July based at https://www.parkfarm-hotel.co.uk/ we tend to arrive just after lunch on the Wednesday, dine together each night, have a couple of runs through the Norfolk countryside before leaving on the Friday stopping for lunch on our way home. For further details do please get in touch with me.
We have been at last able to positively identify the SP in India https://www.hadotipalace.com/image-gallery thanks to Nigel Mathews, the Global Brands Director of Hagerty Insurance, who had been invited out to judge at newly established Oberoi concours. After which, Nigel, when driving a 1955 Hindustan Landmaster (the old Morris Oxford) remarked to fellow judge Jacky Ickx, “this car doesn’t have any rear views mirrors?” to which Ickx replied “ you don’t need to know what is behind you” ( love the retort– LCJ) The subsequent write up:- https://www.magnetomagazine.com/oberoi-concours/?inf_contact_key=691b04f2528e9199494688a510993a21680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1
An SP250 Club stand has been booked at Lydden Hill Classics on the 23 June The link for booking:-
https://lyddenhill.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/historics_on_the_hill excellent value at £7.06 for driver and one passenger for any pre-1990’s car. The club discount code is SP250
A 10 car club stand has been booked at this prestigious event https://www.helmingham.com/events/the-festival-of-classic-sports-cars/ on 4 August If you wish to attend do let me know the cost is £12 per car (driver and passenger). I would like to know, the earlier the better, but by May at the latest please. Over 1000 vehicles turned up last year
The Lavenham Classics is being held this year on the Bank Holiday Sunday 25th August. Clive Burton (Suffolk) who himself lives in this ancient wool town is organising a Daimler stand, his contact details are in pasSPort . See https://www.lovelavenham.co.uk/ and wander amongst its ancient buildings, oh, by the way the Driving Member magazine gets printed at the Lavenham Press.
The Goodwood Revival 6-8 September https://www.goodwood.com/grr/event-coverage/goodwood-revival/2024-goodwood-revival-race-list/
Kop Hill have their weekend 14-15 September https://kophillclimb.org.uk/ there is usually a Daimler Club stand.
Castle Coombe has its Autumn Classic weekend on the 21- 22 September see:- https://castlecombecircuit.co.uk/autumn-classic-historical-racing-festival/
I need to keep a reference to the John Abel SP250 racing library web site. If you can help John to expand this archive on SP racers he would appreciate it.
https://www.racing-sp250.co.uk/SP250-Racers.html do get in touch with john_abel289@hotmail.com
Off SP250 subject- I have been asked to help sell a Connaught team car MPH 995 from the early 1950s – call me
And finally……………
A ‘slight’ mishap put Duncan Black’s friend and co-racer Dave Frazer in Hospital, thankfully both Dave and car were subsequently repaired. The roll-cage playing its part. Dave who commenced his racing career in 1954 went on to ‘hang’ up his gloves in the 1970s having also achieved 6th place in the National Championships at Indianapolis Raceway in 1968. Their cars were bought alongside each other, Duncan’s 100033 and Dave’s 100032 – Dave must have paid his deposit sooner! Car now owned by his son who is doing yet another restoration. Such history, such a car, such a man. (picture courtesy of David Frazer III)
Thought for the day:
£37,000 is the cost of a new battery for the iPace Jagaur, when it runs out!!!!
