DAIMLER SP250
Just a year before the company’s takeover by Jaguar, Daimler caused a stir at the 1959 New York Motor Show when it unveiled the SP250 – a brand new V8-engined, glassfibre-bodied sports car. It was an unusual move for a manufacturer best known for its upmarket saloons and limousines, but Daimler seemed confident of success. In the end, however, the SP250 proved to be relatively short-lived, ceasing production in 1964 after a total run of just 2654 cars.
Although its sports car focus was understandably on the crucial new E-Type, Jaguar didn’t neglect the less-than-perfect SP250 it had inherited via its buy-out of Daimler. April 1961 saw a revised version – known as the B-Spec – bringing many important upgrades, mostly to reduce the original car’s severe chassis flex. Modifications included a three-piece hoop under the dashboard, connected through the A-posts to the sill beams, which strengthened the scuttle as well as making the (now adjustable) steering column more rigid. B-posts were also added for extra strength between the rear outriggers and the body. And to give the car a smoother look, full-width front
