Approximately a year ago Darren and Dave (who worked for Robert Grinter) asked what I would like them to build for the forthcoming NEC Classic Car Show. I replied a rolling chassis would be ideal as it would demonstrate to visitors what lies underneath an SP. This challenge Darren & Dave undertook and the result was the mint rolling chassis that was showcased on the stand alongside 2 other SP250s and the Dragster of Robin Read. With this grouping visitors were able to see that the Turner engine in standard form generated 145 BHP, whilst in the dragster it’s expanded to some 2000HP! – such an engine. (read on next page Turner and his V8 engine)
The stand was such an eye catching display that a visiting delegation from the Bolton University feasted their eyes on the rolling chassis as a ‘must have’ for their engineering department. The upshot is that the chassis and its body (in an unfinished state) are now on display at the university. Darren and Dave together with Darren’s father-in-law took the whole assembly to Bolton and the consequence of their endeavours is that we have all been ask to visit with our SPs as guests of the university. A feather in our cap? or should I say mortar board!
It is my firm belief this augers well for the classic car movement as a whole having one of the country’s leading engineering universities acquired such a major display of engineering excellence.
It started early last month with an advert in Gumtree Australia for an SP for sale in Queensland, spotted by Clive Allen (UK).
I contacted Brooksy (in NSW) to determine the SPs’ historical particulars, it transpired it was unknown, somehow it had dropped off all radars since it was shipped new to Australia, in the 1960s. It had been in its current ownership for some 40 years.
Dennis Taylor (Arizonia) had his Australian nephew, Duane Rodgers, visiting and no doubt Dennis was instrumental in his nephew buying the car, sight unseen, whilst he was in the USA. The SP will in due course be shipped to Duane’s home in Victoria.
Many years ago John Abel bought the much campaigned ex-Duncan Black race car and restored it just in time to display it at the 50th Anniversary dinner here in the UK in 2009. Since which time John has not only been racing it at various meetings including the Goodwood revival but writing its history and that of other SP racers also. If you can help John to further 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
The SP of the late Roger Martin (Rhode Island and international yacht designer) has just passed over the ‘block’ at Bonhams Cars : 1963 Daimler SP250 Roadster Chassis no. 100929 Engine no. See text, includes original unit for $30,240 inclusive of premium. To me someone has acquired a bargain.
In the following Hagerty link, Jay Leno states that the best Sunbeam Tiger is the SP250! – Now there’s a man who knows his cars. Included is a bonus photograph of SPs on a transporter no doubt destined for the USA via the Liverpool docks https://www.hagerty.com/media/magazine-features/jay-leno-sean-connery-aston-martin/
Such sacrilege on the hallowed track dominated by Win Percy and the late Geoghegan brothers. Iain & Leo, who would no doubt turn in their graves if they knew ‘their’ track was used for such a stunt as this? Ford with their E- Custom Super van Electric van shatters Bathurst lap record – here’s what it beat (msn.com) however, it would have be overtaken on the second lap as it run out of steam (I mean battery). Mind you, Ford got their comeuppance when invited, so I was told, to take it to the Nűrburgring in Germany, moreover, Ford declined knowing it wouldn’t complete a lap!
Looking ahead to 23 June Alan Mason has booked an SP250 Club stand at Lydden Hill. This is the link for booking:- https://lyddenhill.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/historics_on_the_hill It is remarkably good value at a discounted rate of £7.06 for driver and one passenger for any pre-1990’s car. The club discount code is SP250
I have booked a 10 car stand on the 4 Aug at this prestigious event https://bridgeclassiccars.co.uk/festival-of-classic-sports-cars/ 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.
We know the beating heart of our car is undaunted, here is the written evidence: – https://prestigeandperformancecar.com/jaguar/turner-v8-engine-guide/?utm_campaign=1653599_P%26PC%20NL%2022%2F2%2F24
It was somewhat remiss of me in not bringing to your notice the article in the February Classic & Sports Car magazine on the SP250 as a Police pursuit vehicle, below is more on the subject plus one currently for sale
https://www.hotcars.com/things-everyone-forgot-about-the-daimler-sp250/#adopted-by-the-police
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/126346712842
And finally……………
Such an Iconic photograph, answers to me please, as to where, when and whom if known and the reg?
Is the rear passenger deep in thought or are they lost and studying maps? No sat-nav !
Thought for the day:
Tact is the art of making a point, without making an enemy!
