Description
• Iconic 1936 SS1/ SS100 2. 5
• Rebuilt over 40 years ago by marque expert
• Formerly part of a significant Jaguar collection
• Rare and desirable two-tone livery of Brown over OEW with Tan
• Excellent condition
It is difficult to overstate the importance of the SS100 to the Jaguar legend. The Jaguar SS100 was the first ‘real’ Jaguar, with ‘100’ proclaiming a maximum speed of 100 mph. Although widely considered the most aesthetically pleasing two-seater sports car of the 1930s the production numbers were tiny: with less than 200 2. 5 litre cars built, and even fewer 3. 5 litre examples. Little wonder then that demand for one of the most iconic cars of the pre-war era has always outstripped supply.
This stunning 1936 Jaguar SS100 is the result of a meticulous SS1 rebuild over 40 years ago by a marque expert. It is just one of two cars he built; the other in Gun Metal Metallic and Red was sold by The Old Racing Car Company in 2008.
Both cars were commissioned by a discerning collector who already had a number of significant Jaguars in his collection, including both pre-war SS100s and post-war XKs, some with competition history. The starting point for this project, which took over two years to complete, was a Jaguar SS1 and, as with the sister car, all the parts were genuine and correct, and included an original 1936 SS1 chassis, the 2. 5-litre engine, front and rear axles, brakes and steering column assembly, bonnet, headlamps, switches, pedals and countless other small but important items, many previously discarded from earlier SS100 restoration work, which were perfectly salvageable but replaced in favour of new. Perhaps the only exception was the fitting of a later 4-speed gearbox instead of the standard issue 16 HP Standard gearbox, but even this was consistent with the recent replacements fitted to SS100s. The only other concession to modernity has been the fitting of an electronic ignition which ensures the car starts first time and runs smoothly.
But perhaps this car’s most important distinguishing feature is the rare Brown over Old English White two-tone colour scheme which particularly compliments the flowing lines of the SS100, and accentuates its seductive curves. Together with the combination of aero screens and beautifully crafted tonneau cover the car has a wonderfully rakish presence and authentic period feel. The tan interior is beautifully executed and remains in excellent condition as do the carpets, and tonneau which can be unzipped for single seater driving.
Forty years on the car remains in superb condition having been well maintained and only used in good weather. A number of old tax discs and French passes attest to periods of regular use and continental trips.
