SS 100 3½ Litre Roadster (RHD) 3.5 Litre 1937
General description :
One of just 118 3½ Litre SS100s ever built
Finished in its original colours of Gunmetal over black interior
Arguably the most iconic English Sports car of the 1930s
Extremely attractive example
1937 Jaguar SS100 3½ Litre Roadster (RHD)
The Jaguar SS100 is widely considered to be the first ‘real’ Jaguar, perhaps evidenced by the fact in late models, they became the first Jaguar to receive the iconic Prowler mascot. Produced for just several years between 1936 and 1938/9, they’ve always been incredibly highly regarded for their performance, drivability and most of all as often being considered one of the prettiest and most iconic sports cars of the 1930s. They are also incredibly rare, being a low production, coachbuilt car from the period with the rarest variation being the significantly more desirable 3½ Litre SS100.
Just 118 3½ Litre cars were ever built and featured numerous revisions from the previous 2½ Litre model beyond the increased engine size and power (125 BHP), including a wider body, bigger doors, a stronger chassis and all-steel construction. These greatly improved cars proved a real performance success, boasting a tested top speed of 100MPH, which is arguably equivalent to around 200MPH today to show how impressive this was. The fun stopped however when William Lyons decided to focus on Saloon cars instead and production was halted in late 1938, leaving a 10-year gap between the SS100 and its spiritual successor, the iconic XK120.
The car we are honoured to offer to you today is one of those 118 3½ Litre SS100s. Finished in its original colours of Gunmetal over Black interior, the car presents beautifully yet with performance and drivability to boot. It comes with a Jaguar Heritage Certificate as well as scans of invoices from Jaguar Cars from 1946 and 1950 and much more. The car also comes with bills in excess of £45,000 from a multiple Pebble Beach Concours Class winning Jaguar specialist. Our SS100 also has benefitted from a fresh engine rebuild by globally renowned Jaguar Experts, Zwakman Motors. The car also has a DEUVET passport and is FIVA Registered. This SS100 would also be eligible for countless, prestigious rally events across the world and has previously competed in the London to Edinburgh Run and the Flying Scotsman Rally.
We are very proud to be able to sell you this wonderful example of by far one of the most iconic sports cars of the 1930s and the first “Greatest Hit” in Jaguar’s prestigious history. Such 3 ½ Litres seldom come up for sale so don’t let this one slip through your hands.
Now available for viewing at the DD Classics Dealership in London, please call 0208 878 33 55 to book an appointment.
DISCLAIMER: The odometer figure listed is merely as it reads.
1937 SS 100 3½ Litre Roadster (RHD) 3.5 Litre is listed for sale on ClassicDigest in Surrey by DD Classics for Not priced.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : SS Model : 100 Model Version : 3½ Litre Roadster (RHD) 3.5 Litre Engine size : 3.5 Model Year : 1937 Sub type : Convertible Location : Surrey Vehicle Registration : Undefined
Not priced
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About SS
The story of Jaguar begins with a company initially named Swallow Sidecar Company (SS), which originated in the early 1920s as a manufacturer of sidecars for motorcycles.Swallow Sidecar Company (SS):
Founding Years: Founded by William Lyons and William Walmsley in 1922, SS primarily focused on creating stylish and luxurious sidecars for motorcycles. Their designs quickly gained popularity due to their elegance and quality.
Expansion into Automobiles: In the mid-1930s, SS ventured into car manufacturing, creating the SS Jaguar in 1935, which was initially well-received for its sleek design and performance.
Significant SS Models:
SS Jaguar 100 (1936-1940): A notable sports car, the SS Jaguar 100 featured a powerful engine, advanced for its time, and became an icon in pre-World War II automotive history.
SS Jaguar Saloons (1935-1940): SS produced a range of saloon cars known for their luxurious interiors and powerful engines, catering to the personal luxury car segment.
Transition to Jaguar:
Post-World War II Challenges: After World War II, the term "SS" carried negative connotations due to its association with Nazi Germany's Schutzstaffel (SS). This prompted the company to consider a rebranding.
Jaguar Name Adoption: In 1945, the company officially changed its name to Jaguar Cars Ltd. The decision to adopt the "Jaguar" name derived from its successful SS Jaguar models, hoping to distance itself from the negative wartime associations.
Post-Name Change and Iconic Models:
Jaguar XK120 (1948-1954): One of Jaguar's most iconic models, the XK120, was a high-performance sports car that set speed records and garnered significant acclaim for its styling and speed.
Jaguar Mark series (1948-1961): The Mark series, including the Mark V, VII, VIII, IX, and X, were luxury saloons known for their opulent interiors, refined engineering, and advanced features.
Technological Advancements and Legacy:
Jaguar continued to innovate, introducing groundbreaking models such as the E-Type (1961-1975), known for its beauty and performance, and the XJ series (1968-present), setting standards in luxury saloons.
Legacy:
Jaguar, under its new name, grew into a marque celebrated for its iconic sports cars and luxurious saloons. The brand's dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and elegant design elevated Jaguar to become synonymous with British automotive excellence, leaving an enduring legacy in the automotive industry.