Lot 414: 1937 SS100 Jaguar 2½-Liter Roadster

Launched for 1936, the SS100 was the first real high performance model produced by SS Cars Limited and used the new Weslake-developed overhead-valve 2,663cc power unit in a shortened SS1 chassis. The introduction of the ohv engine was considered to justify the adoption of a new name for the series, SS Cars boss William Lyons later recalling that ‘I immediately pounced on Jaguar as it had an exciting sound to me.’ (‘Jaguar’ would be adopted as the marque name in 1943, ‘SS’ having by then acquired a somewhat tarnished reputation.)

‘SS’ originally stood for the Swallow Sidecar & Coachbuilding Company, founded in Blackpool, England by William Walmsley. The company branched out into motor manufacture in 1926, its first major success being an attractive sports saloon on the Austin Seven chassis, the design being the work of Walmsley’s partner, one William Lyons. Relocation to Coventry followed and the Swallow range expanded to include models on Morris Cowley, Wolseley Hornet and Standard Sixteen chassis. Marque status arrived in October 1931 with the launch of the SS1. Based on that of the 16hp Ensign, the SS1’s chassis was supplied exclusively to Swallow by Standard, who also provided the six-cylinder sidevalve engine and four-speed gearbox. Although unspectacular in performance, the SS1 went some way towards establishing the pattern for future Jaguars, combining sporting good looks with a better-than-average specification and all at a bargain price. Indeed, so successful was Lyons’ new venture that production of Swallow-bodied cars ceased altogether in 1933 and SS Cars Limited was formed, initially as a subsidiary of the Swallow sidecar-building business.

By the time the SS90 sports car arrived in 1935, William Heynes had joined as Chief Engineer. Based on a shortened SS1 chassis, re-engineered by Heynes, the SS90 again demonstrated Lyons’ consummate skill as a stylist, its long bonnet, smoothly flowing wings, cut-away doors and truncated tail making it every inch the epitome of the 1930s sportscar. Although good for 90mph, the SS90 was handicapped by the limitations of its sidevalve engine, a deficiency that would soon be rectified by another of Lyons’ new recruits, gas-flow consultant Harry Weslake. Launched in 1936 alongside the 2½-Liter saloon, the SS100 Jaguar sports car marked the company’s first use of the ‘Jaguar’ name. Beautifully styled in the manner of its SS90 predecessor, the newcomer employed a shorter, 102”-wheelbase chassis and a revised version of the 2,663cc Standard Six which, equipped with Weslake’s overhead-valve cylinder head and breathing through twin SU carburetors, now produced 104bhp.

Although a fine touring car, the SS100 was marketed as primarily for competition work. Its first major success came early, if somewhat unexpectedly, when Tommy Wisdom, crewed by his wife, won the arduous International Alpine Trial in 1936, beating Bugatti and bringing the fledgling marque to the attention of the Continental public. This would be the first of many successful rallying forays, including class wins in the RAC events of 1937 and 1938, and the Alpine (outright) again in 1948. Around 190 2½-Liter and 118 of the later 3½-Liter cars had been made by the time SS 100 production was prematurely ended by the outbreak of war.

An excellent example of this immortal pre-war sports car, chassis number ‘18075’ was delivered new in 1937 and first registered on March 29th to one J M Charters in the United Kingdom. As is the case with so many of the greatest British sports cars, in later years ‘18075’ found its way to the United States where it was exhibited in an Ohio museum for over 30 years. This important and historical Jaguar recently underwent a complete restoration in Great Britain on the vendor’s behalf and has been refinished in its original black livery. Further details have been completed in the USA, including steering, instruments, suede hide upholstery, and new side curtains and top. This car retains its original all-aluminum body, but with the improvement of more durable steel fenders, while the engine still runs on magneto ignition. Fully serviced, the SS100 has also received a full set of Blockley tires and has the optional dual spares installed. The car is offered with restoration invoices and Certificate of Title.

The SS100 was one of the fastest and best-handling sports cars of its day, as testified to by its competition record both before and after the war. Representing a rare opportunity to acquire a fine example of the model that can be said to have started the Jaguar legend, ‘18075’ is eligible for a wide variety of the most prestigious historic motor sport events, including the Mille Miglia, Colorado Grand, Great America, California Mille, Targa Florio, Le Mans Retro and many more.