We are heading to the NEC Classic Car Show next month over the 7th to 9th November you will find us in Hall 3 stand 490. There we will be showcasing 5 SPs:- The ex-Peirs Towsend racing SP recently changing guardians to Martin Eady; Sean Mooney’s hill climbing ‘born again’ Frazer Nash SP; The famous Duncan Black American ‘stateside’ SCCA race car now owned and raced here in the UK by John Abel, who has been somewhat busy in producing some 238BHP at the rear axle and reading 7600 RPM to boot; then more sedately to Paul Castaldini’s SP, Paul is into racing and preparing E-types then down to earth with Jim Davies’ concours winning SP, a broad spectrum of Turner’s Talent. We can help you by quoting our ticket code offer CCCNOV5260 to obtain a discount of £4 off an Adult single day admission or £2 off the family ticket see their information link:- www.necclassicmotorshow.com/ticket-information
We will have on sale the 2026 SP20 Calendars that Alan Mason has produced and if you not coming to the show drop Alan an email on soaring.ace@btinternet.com to purchase a copy.
Lists are open for the 2026 Spa Classic taking place over 22nd – 24th May, if you wish to join what is an excellent event, then please send an email to Alan Mason to confirm your intentions or to receive further details. Alan books out an entire hotel which is about 15 minutes’ drive from the circuit itself.
Last month I alluded to acclaimed motoring journalist Giles Chapman writing an article on the ill-fated Hooper DSP 250 in the current October edition of The Automobile magazine. When my magazine arrived, I was somewhat taken aback by the sheer depth of research that Giles had undertaken. I can now appreciate why such articles take so long in preparation. A couple of the illustrated photographs I had not seen before. What was most interesting is that for many years we had focussed on their being 2654 chassis built, including the 6 prototypes, whereas in actual fact the total is 2653 as chassis no: 100000, the basis for the DSP 250 and is known as the ‘Red steel car’ written off at MIRA (testing ground) when a type blew was later re-assigned the chassis no: 100571 – waste not, want not, no doubt being a motor manufactures ethos.
This last of the Hooper bodied cars was subsequently dismantled, its body discarded on a scrap heap on the instructions/order of the new owner of Daimler – Sir William Lyons as being ugly. However, at the 1959 Motor Show – its only public outing it did gain praise from at least one motoring journal.
The bare chassis was sold internally to ‘George’ Fabel, a leading Daimler engineer, who rebuilt it as a standard SP250 upgrading to B then C spec, it was subsequently registered 563 VC. Currently it is well cared for and is used on a regular basis for touring/rallying. So out of the six prototypes chassis laid down 100000 to 100005 – 3 are extant: -100000/1000571 registered 563 VC; 100002 the only Daimler Dart as registered before the April 1959 New Motor Show when Dodge objected to the name Dart and registered: XHP 438 now in the JDHT Collection at Gaydon after many years in Canada, and finally chassis no: 100005 the MKII SP252 registered LHP 307F which until recently was on loan to the JDHT collection.
As we are talking numbers, 3 UKKs (unknown knowns) have re-surfaced in the last couple of weeks, the 1775th here in the UK in its 60 plus years of ownership; the 1776th over in France and lastly in that great happy hunting ground the USA the 1777th has at last been sighted – although throughout its life it was been actively used, in either Massachusetts or Pennsylvania. Therefore, currently the survival rate is 1777/2653 = 67%. (or near as damn it)
I did call into Robert Grinter’s workshop this week as I was passing, it seems more SPs are coming in for engine work where the single steel plate head gaskets are failing. These are being replaced with composite head gaskets. I also learnt when Brooksy and his wife were over from Australia for the Revival they had been using composite gaskets for some time for the self-same reason. If therefore you witness any fluid leaks at the base of the cylinder heads caution deems these are replacement to save on costly repairs later.
Continuing press coverage, the October edition of Classis & Sports Car ran an article ‘Fins ain’t What they used to be’ when the British Motor industry was trying to mimic the US taste for fins. In the top ten league table the SP250 comes in at number 3. The SP trailing the Vauxhall Cresta in the top slot and the Turner Sports car, whilst ahead of the Aston Martin DB4 at number 4. I do like the way we SP250 drivers are portrayed – “But no Daimler before or since has possessed the same Terry-Thomas/Leslie Philips image as befinned transport for the high-speed cad” Just love such a lyrical description, seems I need to up my game fashion wise with an assortment of bow ties and plus fours!
– By jove Blinkingthopre what cads we are, wot wot!
The 17th September edition of Classic Car Buyer ran an article on Sporty fibreglass classics, here again a somewhat short article, however, a general portrayal as the SP as being aimed at the American Market albeit with its clumsy awkward styling and fins but nevertheless praised it superbly flexible V8 engine. It continues, the SP is understandably quite rare given just 2654 were produced
Do please support Mark Kershaw and his team at next years’ DLOC International Rally which will take place from the 24th -28th June, at the Coombe Abbey Hotel just outside Coventry. Mark and his West Midlands team are actively working on the programme for the rally. Hotel accommodation needs booking directly on 02476 450 450 quoting you are a Daimler member for the special rate being offered.
A step by quick step as to how to restore your SP in 15 minutes! https://youtu.be/7Lvn3Hd2GBs?si
What is so remarkable with this SP, that from a wreck to showing at the NEC was 12 months. Note the rusty chassis that lies hidden beneath its bodywork.
And Finally……….
……. she is skating on very thin ice
Thought for the day: Lawyers believe a man is innocent until he runs out of cash
