We are just back from our annual SP trip to Norfolk, top down for the entire journey, although at times on the way to and fro we encountered slight misty rain, nevertheless, as long as we were travelling at 30mph this light drizzle was not a problem, An excellent few days away exploring the highways and byways of Nelson’ county, stimulated by Alan Mason’s excellent route book.
The storms clouds are gathering over the whole EV sector. Entire ports all over Europe are clogged up with not ‘fields of gold’, but vast acres of unwanted EVs, where many have remain static for two years and more – by far a large percentage of Chinese dumped vehicles. Initially port owners thought that they were onto a good thing- storage costs – but now they blocked the ports so that the normal transverse of goods is hindered. Private buyers have seen the light and turned their backs on the EV market and so it seems the only buyers are companies and lease firms who are able to claim tax incentives. However, the lease companies have change tactics in order to shift them. Whereas, a few years ago those self-same leasing companies would be offering a 4 year PCP (personal contract plan) lease, typically it’s now down to 2 years with heavy discounted terms, and still they are finding it a tough market.
A few owners journeyed to Lydden Hill circuit in Kent, in brilliant weather, for a day’s racing. What opened our eyes were the Citroen 2 CVs tearing their hearts out and giving the spectators value for money. I will never come across a 2 CV again and refer to it as a ‘Dustbin-on-wheels’. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-4jrWUptmA
Having travelled a fair few miles this year, out to Belgian, various local rallies and the like plus the Norfolk trip, I thought I would treat the SP to a general grease up and service. I popped into the local shop to pick up the oils, grease etc needed and came upon this useful can on the shelf, just right for the tool box/boot/trunk. This excellent lubricate, I must say certainly speeded up the process, although at times I thought I had a V16 engine! might try it in the tank as an additive.
I had a slight problem with the wire wheels due to spoke creak movements, which dictated the fitting of inner tubes as air was seeping out from the spokes base/rim area
For sale: 1 Police Bell, please contact me for the seller’s information.
The latest edition of pasSPort, the global directory of owners, has been posted to all entrants, just a couple of returns, vagaries of the postal service, so yet another addition to the glove box.
So far this year there has been more than usual the number of SPs coming up for sale, albeit sales are progressing but a more slower pace. Perhaps the ultimate SP up for sale at this moment is:- https://www.handh.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-1961-daimler-sp250-dart/?lot=59889&so=0&st=&sto=0&au=540&ef=&et=&ic=False&sd=0&pp=48&pn=2&g=1
However, the pre-war market is very much in the doldrums with copious vehicles on offer, the downside to this aspect is that many coachbuilt saloons of any make are being cut up, rebuilt and configured to look as pre-war ‘Brooklands’ race models, this so as to make them more appealing! As an aside, I have never, seen so many WO Bentleys for sale at any one time, the pre-war Rolls –Royce market has been hit especially. Not a good sign.
At the end of this month over the weekend of the 29/30th at Snetterton in Norfolk we have:- https://www.snetterton.co.uk/2024/june/the-snetterton-classic
The Lavenham Classics is 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.
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/
We will be at the NEC as usual this year 8-10 Nov we are in Hall 2 stand 760 the discounted ticket code is CCCNOVC323 ticket information link:- www.necclassicmotorshow.com/ticket-information
We will have the 2025 SP250 Calendars on sale – pre-book with Alan Mason soaring.ace@btinternet.com
And finally………….
Geoff Shepherd (in cap) who owned this SP in the late 1960s, would dearly like to know of its current whereabouts. Seems it could have seen a race track or two? It is registered PCB 530, a Lancashire series.
Thought for the day:
In literature as in love, we are astonished at what is chosen by others
