• Rare and desirable

• Fully restored
• Photographic record

• Delivered new to Barcelona

This is Jaguar before Jaguar. Built by the Swallow Sidecar Company (they changed their name to Jaguar Cars in 1945) and designed by the founder of the company Sir William Lyons, the SS1 is a six-cylinder, rear-wheel-drive sports car with four seats. 

Renowned for both its value for money and stylish looks rather than outright performance the SS1 is now a very rare sight indeed.

This SS1 Open Tourer was delivered new to Barcelona, Spain in 1933 and is a true survivor in every sense. To avoid having their cars impounded, many owners hid their cars during the Spanish Civil War and had the papers invalidated which is exactly what happened with this particular car. 

Once the war was over the car was re-registered in 1942 and provided with new registration papers. It is a true survivor and it's very good to see that this special car has remains in such lovely condition following a comprehensive restoration.

The restoration work is fully documented and the car comes with an extensive history file.

The interior has been reupholstered with dark green leather seats and dashboard along with new beige carpets and it looks exceptional. Everything appears to be present, correct and original to the car. 

The car has also been furnished with a brand new tonneau cover.

The body has been re-painted in Apple Green, an original SS1 colour and it really does pop. The fenders and running boards have a beautiful contrasting dark green colour which, combined with the dark wire wheels, make the lines of the SS1 truly stand out. The chrome trim parts play such a large part of the overall style of the car and they do so impeccably, being as they are in such good condition. 

The tan hood fits perfectly with no rips or tears and ties in well with the beige of the carpets. The car is fitted with period style Michelin tyres to complete the look.

The 2.5-litre, six-cylinder side valve engine produces 62bhp and sounds fantastic. The engine itself is clean and appears to be in top health. The radiator is in fine fettle with no damage and the HT leads appear to be brand new, indicating a well maintained motor. 

The wiring has been installed cleanly and is uncluttered.

The SS1 was an important car and it was the breakthrough that enabled Sir William Lyons to establish himself and his company as a major player in the industry. A company that would go on to build some of the greatest and most popular cars ever made. 

If it wasn't for the SS1 we wouldn't have such iconic classics as the Mk2 Jag or the record breaking XJ220, and that would be a crying shame. It remains a stunningly beautiful and rare car as well as being historically significant.