Daimler Dart/SP250
Manufacturer	Daimler Motor Company
Production	1959–1964
Class	Sports car
Body style	2 seat open car
Engine	2.5 litre V-8
Transmission	4-speed manual automatic
Wheelbase	92 inches 2.34 m
Length	160 inches 4.06 m
Width	60 inches 1.52 m
Curb weight	2070 pounds 940 kg

The Daimler Dart was launched at the 1959 New York Motor Show, and its greatest success was in the American market. It had a fibreglass body, four wheel Girling disc brakes, and a 2.5 litre Hemi-head V8 designed by Edward Turner. They were soon forced to drop the Dart name when threatened with legal action by Chrysler’s Dodge division, the car was then renamed the Daimler SP250.^[1] Automakers or automobile manufacturers are companies that design and manufacture automobiles. ... Daimler has, since 1896, been the motor car marque of the British Daimler Motor Company, based in Coventry. ... It has been suggested that Vehicle size class be merged into this article or section. ... Cars can come in a large variety of different body styles. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Internal combustion engine. ... Epicyclic gearing or planetary gearing as used in an automatic transmission. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The metre, or meter (U.S.), is a measure of length. ... Curb (kerb) weight is the total weight of an automobile with standard equipment, motor oil, coolant, a full tank of fuel and not loaded with either passengers or cargo. ... The U.S. National Prototype Kilogram, which currently serves as the primary standard for measuring mass in the U.S. It was assigned to the United States in 1889 and is periodically recertified and traceable to the primary international standard, The Kilogram, held at the Bureau International des Poids et... The Chrysler Corporation was an American automobile manufacturer that existed independently from 1925–1998. ... Dodge is a brand name of automobiles and light to heavy-duty trucks. ...

Models

The original A-spec version could do 120 mph, but the chassis, a “14-gauge ladder frame with cruciform bracing”, flexed so much that doors came open, marring its reputation.^[2]

Jaguar bought Daimler in 1960, and were immediately concerned about the chassis flex. They brought out the B-spec version with extra outriggers on the chassis and a strengthening hoop between the A posts. There were also other detail improvements, including an adjustable steering column.^[1] Jaguar Cars Limited is a British luxury car manufacturer, with headquarters in Browns Lane, Coventry, England. ... Daimler has, since 1896, been the motor car marque of the British Daimler Motor Company, based in Coventry. ...

There was a C-spec version introduced in 1963 with some additional luxuries as standard equipment.

2645 were produced.

Specification

• ENGINE: V type, eight cylinder, water cooled, OHV, Bore 3", Stroke 2.75", Capacity 153 cubic inches (2.547 litres) Single high camshaft operated valves through short alloy pushrods. Double heavy duty valve springs. Aluminium alloy hemispherical cylinder heads. Stiff 5 main bearing crankshaft, dynamically balanced. Compression ratio 8.2:1 Twin SU carburettors. BHP 140 @ 5800 rpm. Max Torque 155 ft·lbf at 3600 rpm. SU electric fuel pump.
• IGNITION: Coil and distributor with auto and vacuum control.
• LUBRICATION: Submerged gear type oil pump. Full flow filter. Sump capacity 1.75 US gallons.
• COOLING SYSTEM: Pressurised radiator with fan, pump and thermostat control.
• TRANSMISSION: 4 speeds with synchromesh on top three ratios. Provision for overdrive. Automatic optional.
• REAR AXLE: Hypoid bevel 3.58:1
• STEERING: Cam type.
• SUSPENSION: Independent front with coil springs. Half elliptics at rear. Oversize dampers.
• BRAKES: Discs on all four wheels, hydraulic operation.

See also: Daimler 2.5 & 4.5 Litre V8 Engines Synchromesh is the term used to describe a manual transmission in which gears are brought to the same speed during shifting by a synchronizer. ... Overdrive can refer to two different things, one of these things is a device, and the other is an idea. ... A hypoid is the name given to a type of helical (spiral) gear. ... Edward Turner At the age of 24 Edward Turner designed a 350cc single motorcycle engine with overhead camshafts. ...

Sources