The NEC Classic Motor Show Sale 10th - 12th November 2023

The NEC Classic Motor Show Sale 2023 Cars 24 Registration: 550 CLU Chassis No.: 102820 Estimate: £55,000 - £65,000 Specialist: Harry Whale Telephone No: 07919 887374 Lot 117 1961 Daimler SP250 - Ex-Metropolitan Police In the late 1950s, the Metropolitan Police had a major problem with what were called, ‘Café Racers’. Accidents occurred and, in an attempt to put a stop to the practice, the Met’s proposal was to have a fast car that could actually catch the bikers, concluding that the Daimler SP250 Dart was the answer! This had a 2.5-litre lightweight V8 engine and was capable of 125mph and 0-60 in ten seconds which, for 1959, was remarkable. The Met bought 26 Darts between 1961 and 1964 and soon got them into service. Borg-Warner Model 8 3-speed automatic cars destined for Police use were modified by Daimler with the fitting of a handle in the centre of the dashboard which, when pulled, locks the gearbox into second gear allowing a speed range from 0-85mph in a single gear. The gearbox normally runs in two gears only, with a ‘low’ ratio for manual selection if required and the slightly higher gearing resulted in an increased top speed compared to manual gearbox cars. The Metropolitan Police found this to be better for town work and high-speed chases, and it was also found to be more economical, avoiding the clutch wear that a manual car would develop with usage between 18 and 24 hours a day. The sparkling example on offer here, 550 CLU, was registered with the Metropolitan Police on 1st June 1961 as Fleet Number 240T. It bears Engine No. 96223, Chassis No.102820 and was fitted with the optional Borg-Warner DG. Automatic gearbox, an AT Head Calibrated Speedometer and Pye Radio equipment. The Met disposed of 550 CLU on 30th August 1967, having been driven 97,325 miles in less than five years, and it was sold on to a Mr Killamsy of 2 Winter Street, London SW11 (copy record in file). It was subsequently purchased by Claude Kearley, President of the Daimler SP250 Owners Club (2007-2009) who commenced a photo-documented restoration including engine, gearbox and drive train to Concours standards. It became our vendor’s property in 2016 and has been much enjoyed ever since, taking part in all sorts of events and is a multi-award winner including second place in the 2017 East Coast Run and first Place, Sledmere 2017. It’s been an NEC exhibit three years running and was to be an entrant in Zoute Concours d’Elegance prior to the COVID lockdown. When ‘Oxford Diecast’ chose to model a Police SP250 for their 1/43 scale range, 550 CLU was the chosen car. Supplied with the car are its V5C and previous ownership docs, a copy of the Met Historic Fleet Disposal Records, period copy photographs of actual use when in service, press cuttings, photos of surviving drivers (at 2013), MOTs, Owners’ Manual, accessories manual and more. Offered from a significant private Collection of British motor cars, this Daimler is a must for any collector/investor and needs to be viewed to fully appreciate the finish and detail that has gone into its fastidious restoration. Obviously this immaculate Dart can be enjoyed in much the same way that we all enjoy our classic cars but, in addition, it’s regularly in demand for meets and shows and would be welcome at events run by the Daimler and Lanchester Owners Club, the Daimler Dart Owners Club, the Police Vehicle Club and naturally local County Shows and Village Fetes. If that’s what you have in mind, this rare 1960s classic could keep you busy for the rest of your days. An original ex-Metropolitan Police Daimler Dart, a rare survivor and restored to a Concours standard. More Details Lot 117 Bid On Lot 117