Fantasy Junction

Description

1936 Jaguar SS100 2 ½ Liter
s/n 18031 engine no. 250864
Red with Black Leather Interior

The SS 100 is an important car, both to Jaguar, and in its own right as a sports car. Priced at a reasonable £395 when new, it was accessible, but also a genuine sports car, with the competition exploits to prove it. SS100’s were commonplace in all of the typical motorsports venues, including hillclimbs, speed trails, road races, endurance contests, and rallies. Indeed, an SS100`s won the International Alpine Trial in both 1936 and 1948. The SS100 was actually a development of the similar SS90 (the numbers referred to the top speed in miles per hour), and was meant to address the criticism that the SS90 was underpowered. Initial SS100’s had two and a half litre engines (which actually displaced 2.7 litres), which was replaced by a three and a half litre unit for 1938. Approximately 309 SS100’s of all types were built, of which about 193 were two and a half litre versions.

This particular car is a beautifully restored example, and scored four first places in JCNA concours following an extensive and painstaking restoration performed between 1993 and 1996. The scores were an impressive 99.96, 99.96, 99.98, and 100 points, and the car has covered only a few hundred miles since. It has been regularly started and properly maintained since, and remains extremely fresh in appearance.

The restoration has held up extremely well, and certainly does not look like it was completed in the 1990’s. It has the appearance of a restoration that is just a few years old with a very high quality paintjob, which remains in excellent condition, with almost no blemishes to speak of. The chrome is also excellent, with no pitting or haze, as are the wheels. The iconic Lucas headlamps are in excellent shape, as well as all remaining glass and lenses. The car is fitted with optional auxiliary driving lamps, also made by Lucas, as well as correct and desirable “owl’s eye” rear lamp. The car also has both standard and Brooklands windscreens, as well as full weather equipment including soft top, boot side curtain, and boot, all of which are like new.

The interior is in similarly nice condition, with almost no wear in evidence. The leather of the seats is excellent, as are the carpets, and both are superbly fitted. The painted dashboard is extremely nice as well, and the attractive gauges are restored and lovely. The steering wheel is also in excellent condition.

The engine compartment is very clean and correct. It is well detailed, and has the feel of a thorough high-quality restoration that has seen minimal use and shows few signs of age. It is of course extremely correct and well-detailed, as would be expected of a car that has done so well at concours. Again the condition is extremely impressive for a restoration that is not just a few years old. The engine number is 250864 and is of the correct type, but does not match the engine number on the chassis plate. The underside was also included in the restoration and is extremely clean and superbly detailed to high standards.

This is a fantastic and rare opportunity to acquire one of these historic cars. The balance and proportions of styling are remarkable, and in combination with the beautiful detailing, have made the SS100 a highly sought-after blue-chip collectible that has enjoyed remarkable appreciation in recent years. Their performance makes them very usable today, and also contributed to their competition pedigree. With a little over 300 examples built, and considerably fewer surviving today, these cars are incredibly rare, and perhaps no other car represents better the quintessential British sports car. Consequently, they will always be in high demand, and will thus make very sound (as well as enjoyable) investments. This particular car’s stunning and award-winning restoration is holding up beautifully, and the car is ready to be driven or casually shown.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608