Today very much part of the classic car scene around the world, the Daimler SP250 sports car has a fascinating and eventful history. The idea of staid and traditional Daimler building an open sports car is surprising enough in itself; that the car should be fibreglass-bodied, V8-engined and have a daring futuristic appearance stretches credibility to the limit...but that's exactly what the company did produce between 1959 and 1964. A bold new design, 'the Dart' - as it was originally to be called - should have been struggling Daimler's saviour and a springboard to a range of new models, including saloons and coupes. Things didn't quite work out that way and Daimler was acquired by Jaguar, which led to the SP250's Edward Turner-designed V8 engine being used in a Daimler-badged version of the Jaguar Mkll saloon. Here is the full story of the SP250 including concept, development and production history. Also covered are related models, specials, buying and restoration, chassis numbers, production numbers, colour schemes, clubs and specialists. Altogether a source book of essential information for SP250 and Daimler enthusiasts.

Born in Coventry, the heart of Britain's motor industry, Brian Long is a professional writer with a passion for vintage and racing machinery. A trained mechanical engineer, he worked at his father's garage before becoming heavily involved in the classic car scene at the age of 19. Brian is nowadays a full-time writer, with over 40 books to his credit. Married to Miho, and with two children (Louis and Sophie-Mercedes), Brian now lives just outside Tokyo.