Lot 034: SS2 Sports Saloon

William Lyons cut his teeth in the motor trade at the helm of a small Blackpool-based company producing motorcycle sidecars. Founded in 1922, his Swallow Sidecar Company soon branched out into making car bodies, initially fitted to the Austin 7 chassis. Beautifully styled and offering exceptional value for money, they were soon making more profit than the sidecars and by 1929 Lyons had relocated to larger premises in Foleshill near Coventry. Lyons' first complete car, the SSI, was launched in 1931, a long, low and rakish coupe based on a chassis provided by Standard and powered by a 2 or 2.5-litre side-valve six-cylinder engine. It was soon joined by the SSII, an equally rakish machine available in two-door saloon and tourer form. By 1934 the company name was changed to SS Cars Ltd and sidecar production was ended for good. Other SS models followed, including the fabulous SS100, until war put a halt to car production which was not resumed until 1945  under the new name of Jaguar. First registered in Devon in December 1934, this lovely SSII Sports Saloon has been in the current ownership for 31 years. Rescued in 1977 from the garage of a house that was being demolished, the car had been slumbering for many years when discovered and upon acquisition was treated a full restoration by its enthusiastic new owner. The work included making a new ash frame for the car, totally stripping and rebuilding all mechanical parts including the engine, and retrimming the interior in the best Connolly hide. All the instruments were also rebuilt and the mileometer set to zero. It is now showing around 4,000 miles which is the true distance travelled since the restoration was completed in the late 1970s. The car still retains many charming original features, including the well-stocked tool tray in the boot and its original RAG carburettor, though this is not fitted as it proved somewhat troublesome in use.Given regular outings to shows and vintage events, the car is said to drive very well and has an MOT until August 2008. It now has a lovely patina that reflects the care it has received over the last 30 years. SS cars of any description are now very rare and seldom come to market. This example is particularly attractive and well preserved and would be a fine addition to any collection.