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1961 Daimler Dart SP250. British Racing Green with Tan leather upholstery and beige soft top. The SP250 was launched as the Daimler Dart in April 1959 at the New York Motor Show, Chrysler, whose Dodge division owned the trademark for the "Dart" model name, ordered Daimler to change the name under threat of legal action. With little time to come up with a new name, Daimler used the project number, SP250, as the model number. SP250s were used by the British Metropolitan Police in London. The car is one of 26 examples bought by the Metropolitan Police between 1961 and 1964 to use as high-speed pursuit vehicles. The flying Darts, which could reach 125mph, were based at special Traffic Garages throughout London and proved to be a major deterrent against the scourge of speeding motorcyclists going ‘ton up’. These were used by the Traffic Department to catch up with speeders, especially café racers. The police cars used the Borg-Warner Model 8 three-speed automatic, which the Metropolitan Police found to be better for town work and high-speed chases, and 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. Traffic police in Bristol, Cambridge, Liverpool, Manchester, Southend, and Surrey also used the SP250 for speed enforcement, as did police forces in Australia and New Zealand. After the opening of the first section of the M1 in 1959, the Bedfordshire police used the SP250 for motorway patrol. This very car was registered with the Metropolitan police and was fitted with the optional Borg-Warner DG automatic gearbox which could be locked into second gear, allowing the car to go from a standstill to 85mph without shifting. It has been with its last keeper for 41 years and has been enormously enjoyed visiting various classic car events and displays of historic police vehicles. Still retaining its working bell and with the Pye radio equipment also with the car. More recently many thousands have been spent which includes the fitment of wire wheels and upgraded servo brakes. The upholstery has been fully re-trimmed in soft leather, new carpets, soft top and tonneau cover and the gearbox just recently fully rebuilt with the invoice on file. It also comes with its original buff logbook confirming the first owner to be the Metropolitan police, records of previous ownership, press cuttings, photographs and old MoT records and invoices fill the large history file. Previously this Daimler has been reviewed in several articles including Police Car UK and Classic and Sports Car magazine. Usual dealer facilities including secure storage and transport solutions for import / export.
Viewing By Appointment.
About Us:
At Turn Two Classics we are centrally located and can offer easier access for all of our customers old and new. We still operate with old fashioned customer service but we are now able to offer storage and delivery solutions as well as classic sales. Our aim is to help you drive away with the classic that suits your needs both practically and financially. We offer some of the most competitive deals on classic cars and across a variety of brands. We have a great selection of classics in a range of makes and models, from sports cars to family saloons, we are confident that we can find the right classic car for you. At Turn Two Classics we have a reputation for quality customer service. This is because not only do we have extensive knowledge in classic cars, but we have many years experience in selling the right car to the customer. But don't take our word for it, come and see why so many classic owners in the UK keep coming back to us time after time. Even if you are not thinking about buying a classic car, we can offer you friendly advice and expertise in a no pressure environment. For more information on all our cars or services browse through our website. We should have the car of your choice but if for any reason you are looking for a specific make and model that we don't have in stock, please contact us and we will be happy to help you find the right car. We pride ourselves on our wide range of stock but deals this good don't last and our stock of used cars changes frequently. Please contact us to make an appointment to view any of our vehicles.
Why buy from us?
* Always a great selection of classic vehicles available
* All major debit cards accepted
* Delivery and transport easily arranged
* No pressure sales environment
* Viewing By Appointment