1937

This 1937 Jaguar SS100 was completed on December 24, 1937 and is one of fewer than 200 examples built with a 2½-liter engine during a four-year production run. The car, chassis 49026, was delivered new in the UK through SS Cars distributer Henlys Limited of London. It was imported to the US in the 1960s and was owned by a Pennsylvania philanthropist for three decades before changing hands in the late 1990s. A refurbishment was subsequently carried out and included a repaint in the current shade of dark green. The car won its class at the 2002 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and was then moved to the UK, though it later returned to the US and received further refurbishment work. Acquired by its current owner three years ago, the car is powered by a numbers-matching 2,663cc OHV inline-six and is also equipped with twin SU carburetors, a four-speed gearbox, 18” wire wheels, Girling drum brakes, saddle leather upholstery, and a black soft top. This SS100 earned a 999.8 score from the Jaguar Club of Houston in 2014 and has won its class at numerous concours events, including Pebble Beach, Radnor Hunt, Santa Fe, and the JCNA National. It is now offered on dealer consignment with an owner’s manual, parts catalogue, side curtains, JCNA scoring sheets, a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate, and a clean Missouri title. The SS100 model was introduced by SS Cars in 1936 with styling similar to its predecessor, the SS90, but with sportier performance achieved through revisions to the 2.7-liter engine. Its name referenced the car’s theorized top speed of 100 mph, which was achieved by a 3.5-liter variant that joined the model lineup before production ceased upon the outbreak of World War II. Both SS100 variants featured a modified version of the SS saloon chassis with a wheelbase shortened to 2,642mm. This example left the factory finished in black and received a color change to its current shade of dark green during a refurbishment carried out approximately 20 years ago. Features include a louvred hood, low-cut doors that open rearward, headlight stone guards, a fold-down windshield ahead of Brooklands windscreens, a black canvas soft top, and three-window side curtains. Closeups of the finish, trim, and lenses are presented in the photo gallery below, along with images of the windshield in its lowered position. Body-colored 18” wire wheels are secured by chrome two-eared knock-offs and wear Excelsior tires. A matching spare is mounted to the fuel tank at the rear of the car. Four-wheel Girling drum brakes are mechanically actuated, and the suspension incorporates semi-elliptical leaf springs and friction dampers all around. The cabin was re-trimmed in the 2000s in saddle leather over the bucket seats and door panels. Contrasting black carpeting with saddle leather binding lines the floors, rear shelf, and seat backs, while the top is stowed under a black boot with leather straps. All SS100 models were configured in right-hand drive, and the black four-spoke steering wheels carries manette controls on its hub. Smiths instrumentation features blue lettering and includes a 100-mph speedometer and 5k-rpm tachometer with an inset clock. Additional gauges in the left side of the green-painted dash monitor coolant temperature, amperage, and fuel level. The five-digit odometer shows 50 miles, and true mileage is unknown. The SS100 model’s 2,663cc inline-six was a re-engineered version of the previous Standard engine, with a newly design cylinder head accommodating a change from side to overhead valves. Induction is through twin SU carburetors. Factory-rated output was 100 horsepower, which is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on the top three gears. Block stamping L1012E is shown above and matches the engine number listed on the chassis plate and JDHT certificate. The seller notes various fluid drips and sign of use on the underside of the chassis and mechanical components. Additional undercarriage are provided in the gallery below. The JDHT certificate lists the original colors and component numbers, as well as production and delivery information. JCNA scoring sheets are pictured in the gallery and reflect the car’s judging at the 2014 Jaguar Club of Houston Concours d’Elegance. Videos below include a walk around with footage of the engine running and a ride along.