Introduction to the Daimler Dart

A Daimler Dart Parts page by David Manners Ltd, the worlds leading independent Daimler Parts specialist.

The Daimler Dart was launched at the 1959 New York Motor Show, and its greatest success was in the American market. It had a fiberglass body, four wheel Girling disc brakes, and a 2.5 litre Hemi-head V8 designed by Edward Turner. Daimler 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. The original A spec version could do 120 mph (193 km/h), but the chassis, a “14-gauge ladder frame with cruciform bracing” based on the Triumph TR-3, flexed so much that doors came open, marring its reputation. 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. There was a C spec version of the Daimler Dart introduced in 1963 with some additional luxuries as standard equipment.2,645 were produced, Jaguar built a prototype Daimler Dart replacement with a neater body style but decided not to proceed with production.