Daimler SP250
The 'angry catfish' that brought hemi-head V8 power to the British roadster.
- Power
- 140 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 8.9 s
- Top speed
- 123 mph
- Est. value
- $20k–$65k
About the Daimler SP250
Launched at the 1959 New York Motor Show, the Daimler SP250 (initially called the Dart) was a radical departure for a brand known for royal limousines. Its Edward Turner-designed 2.5-litre V8 featured hemispherical combustion chambers and delivered smooth, high-revving performance that outpaced many contemporary rivals. The car's fibreglass body was controversial for its 'catfish' styling and early 'A-spec' models suffered from significant chassis flex, a flaw later addressed by Jaguar after their 1960 acquisition of Daimler. Despite its quirks, the SP250 remains a highly sought-after collector car for its unique engine and four-wheel disc brakes, which were advanced for the era.
Daimler SP250 specs
The Daimler SP250 produces 140 bhp (104 kW) and 210 Nm (155 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 8.9 seconds and has a top speed of 123 mph (198 km/h).
| Make | Daimler |
|---|---|
| Model | SP250 |
| Trim | 2.5 V8 |
| Years | 1959–1964 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Roadster |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 2,645 built |
| Original price | About $3,900 when new |
| Engine | 2.5-litre V8 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,548 cc (2.5 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 140 bhp (104 kW) at 5,800 rpm |
| Torque | 210 Nm (155 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 8.9 s |
| Top speed | 123 mph (198 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 950 kg (2,094 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 147 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Daimler SP250 worth?
A typical Daimler SP250 is estimated to be worth $20,000 – $65,000 (about £15,000 – £48,000).
Its original price when new was about $3,900.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Daimler SP250 rarity in CarSpot
The Daimler SP250 is an Epic card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 60 out of 100. Supercars and serious performance cars, typically worth around £100,000 to £250,000. An Epic card is worth 80 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Daimler SP250 fun facts
- Daimler was forced to rename the car from 'Dart' to 'SP250' after Chrysler's Dodge division threatened legal action over the trademark.
- The British Metropolitan Police used a fleet of 30 automatic SP250s to catch speeding café racers on the newly opened M1 motorway.
- Early 'A-spec' cars were so flexible that the doors were known to fly open if the car was driven hard over bumpy surfaces or around sharp corners.