Lesley Finlay – 1964 Daimler SP250

This striking sports car has been in Lesley’s family for more than fifty years, and having undergone a superb restoration it’s one that she could never part with. It’s a very special example that’s guaranteed to get plenty of interest.

“My father bought it in 1973 and as a child I absolutely loved it. People offered to buy it over the years but he always refused saying it was ‘Lesley’s car’, and when he sadly passed away in 2008 it really did become mine.”

After a re-spray in the early-1980s it was then taken off the road later in the decade. It wasn’t until 2016 that the proud owner decided to embark on a full body-off restoration that would see it returned to the stunning condition you see here.

Along with the Daimler her father left her a pair of MGs which she decided to sell to fund the restoration. Completed in 2019, it was undertaken by a specialist restorer and although this was his first SP250 the quality of the work speaks for itself. And the owner and her husband enjoyed being part of the project, doing a little of the work themselves.

The colour was changed from silver to the original dark blue, while the pale blue interior was reupholstered in lovely cream leather with blue piping. We love the way it looks, and we can certainly understand why Lesley only likes to use it in fine weather. “I know my father would be really pleased of how it looks today. When he drove a car he always used to ask ‘does it make you feel famous’? And this one definitely does!”

Launched in 1959 as the Daimler Dart, the name was hastily changed to SP250 after Chrysler objected. Featuring a V8 engine and fibreglass bodywork, production ended in 1964.