Fantasy Junction

Description

1937 Jaguar SS100 2 ½ litre Roadster
s/n 18063 engine no. 252323 (included), L1919E (fitted)
Blue with Blue 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.

Sold new to a Mr. E. Walton, this particular car spent much of its life in California. Once acquired by its previous owner it was temporarily imported to New Zealand where a comprehensive restoration was performed by Auto Restoration in Christchurch. The work was a body off affair and included a complete engine overhaul. Detailed notes accompany the car for this work, which was completed in 2001. Approximately 1,306 miles have been logged since. Fantasy Junction had the opportunity to sell this example to the present owner in 2010 where it joined a stable with some of the world’s most important sports cars ever produced including a Ferrari 250 TdF, 312 PB, and 275 GTB/C. At that time English automotive authority Laurence Anderson Company was contracted to perform a comprehensive service at 1,119 miles indicated, and today the car is absolutely “on the button” having been the subject of a rigorous in-house exercise and upkeep program.

The car is in superb cosmetic condition, with a high quality paint job that is in excellent condition. 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 comes with soft top, boot for the top, and full tonneau cover, 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, in addition to being superbly fitted. The painted dashboard is extremely, and the attractive gauges are restored and lovely. A pair of Brooklands windscreens is fitted behind the fold-down windscreen, and the car also has a pair of modern racing belts.

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. They are quite clean and very attractive and speak to the completeness of and attention to detail paid during the restoration. The underside was obviously included in the restoration and is extremely clean and superbly detailed to high standards.

The car runs very well, with a sprightly and responsive motor, good driveline, and a exceedingly tight and sound feel. The brakes work well and the car impresses the driver with what a remarkable and different feeling it must have been to drive this car in the late 1930’s.

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.

With this car comes two extra engines (both unrestored, one damaged but repairable), a copy of the heritage certificate, detailed notes relating to the restoration work performed in 2001, and ownership documentation back to 1976.

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.

Inquire About This Car

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