It’s not that Daimler and it’s not that Hemi, but this is a Daimler roadster with a hemi engine. Because wouldn’t a roadster with a hemi engine be the hot ticket?
The Daimler refers to the now-defunct Daimler Company based in the U.K. It’s not the same Daimler-Benz that would merge with Chrysler and once again popularize the Hemi engine. However, Gottlieb Daimler is the namesake for both, although Daimler Company bought the rights to the name of the automotive pioneer. Ironically, the Daimler Company launched the SP250 in the North American market as the Dart, much to the chagrin of Chrysler.
Under the hood is a 2.5-liter hemi-head V8 created by Edward Turner, who’s better known as a motorcycle designer. The engine put out 142 horsepower, which propelled the SP250 to a top speed of 125 mph. The SP250 also came with four-wheel disc brakes, a rare feature for the day, and used a ladder-type chassis.
Find this 1963 Daimler SP250 Roadster up for auction at Bonhams. As a point of reference, Hagerty currently values an SP250 in No. 2 condition at $51,100.
