Highlights
- Detailed high-end older restoration with sparing use since
- Previous collector-keeper for 30 years who covered only 2,353 miles
- Swiss registered with valid Veteranen Prüfung technical inspection until 2027
The Appeal
The SS100 was a typically bold move by Sir William Lyons. When new, the headline appeal was its claimed 100 mph top speed, but it was really those gorgeous looks that wowed buyers then and now.
These sleek aluminium-bodied cars were expensive. This car reportedly left the factory painted grey. We are told that it began its fascinating, transatlantic life when it was built in June 1938 and then first registered by Henly’s of London. In the 1980s it spent a time in Arkansas and Arizona, before returning to the UK in 1988 when a comprehensive three-year restoration began, resulting in the current black finish.
The previous keeper, a Swiss collector, bought the car in June 1991 with 12,237 miles on the odometer. It was moved to Switzerland and over the next 30 years used very sparingly for short local journeys. During this time it covered just 2,353 miles. Despite the limited use, maintenance records show extensive investment including 27,700 CHF and an invoice for £1,983.
The car comes to market with a lovely, light patina resulting from its older restoration. It carries Swiss Veteranen Prufung technical inspection valid to 2027.
The SS100 is one of the most beautiful and notable pre-war British classics. This rare car has the history, provenance and condition to appeal to collectors.
History and Paperwork
- Originally completed on June 28, 1938
- Originally painted grey we are told
- Despatched to Henley's of London for first owner Mr. H.J. Pye
- Located in USA from August 1982
- First owned there by Dr. M.R. Springer of Hot Springs, Arkansas
- During this time it was registered with the Classic Jaguar Association Register
- Subsequently sold to trader Terry Larson in Arizona
- Then sold to Mr. Chris Williams
- Returned to the UK in the mid-1980s in unrestored condition
- Chassis and engine restoration from September 1988 through March 1989
- Repainted in current black
- Detailed records of this work totalling £12,867.07 (£34,000 now)
- Then purchased by Coys of Kensington who completed the restoration
- Sold to Swiss collector Mr Perkins in 1991 for £103,000
- Remained with this keeper in Switzerland for approximately 30 years until his passing
- He covered 2,353 miles for mainly short journeys
- Mileage increased from 12,237 miles in June 1991 to current 14,784 miles
- Maintenance invoices on file totalling CHF 27,700 plus £1,963
- Currently Swiss registered with Veteranen Prüfung (Swiss classic car inspection) from August 2021, valid until August 2027
Documented mileage:
- June 1991 Miles: 12.237
- July 1992 Miles: 12.342
- February 2011 Miles: 13.971
- May 2015 Miles: 14.035
- April 2021 Miles: 14.161
- September 2021 Miles: 14.329
- Actual mileage Miles : 14784
The Condition
- Originally factory-finished in grey, repainted in current black during refurbishment approximately 30 years ago
- Paintwork appears in smart condition with only a handful of touch-ups
- Few small dents in the aluminium body that can be corrected relatively easily
- Features louvred hood, low-cut rear-hinged doors, and headlight stone guards
- Equipped with fold-down windshield ahead of Brooklands windscreens
- Chrome 18in wire wheels look in very good order
- Fitted with classic Dunlop tyres
- Black canvas soft top and tonneau cover
- Tan leather upholstery in very good condition with light patina due to older retrim
- Tank selector knob (normal/reserve) is present but not connected
- Fitted with mesh headlight guards
The black finish of this car was applied during the three year late 1980s restoration. It was a wise choice, managing to be both understated and to accent the sleek lines and bright chromework of these beguiling cars. A tan interior neatly complements the bodywork.
Sparing use since completion means that the car remains in very good condition. There are a few indications of age, noted above, that arguably add a gentle level of patination and character to this 87 year old car. It would be easy to remedy them but perhaps they are part of its charisma.
The Mechanics
- 2,663cc OHV inline-six engine
- Four-speed manual transmission
- Correct-type engine fitted with twin SU carburettors
- Replacement SS 100 Jaguar engine installed as part of older restoration
- Girling drum brakes
- Maintained regularly during long-term ownership with documented service history
- Driven sparingly with just 2,353 miles covered in the last 30 years
- Carries current Swiss technical inspection until 2027
- No reported running or driving issues
The ‘100 mph’ claim was slightly misleading - that was achieved by a 3.5L car - but it hardly matters when Jaguar’s masterpiece looks this good and drives so well. Sir William Lyon’s skill was to craft cars that went as well as they looked, something that was unusual when the SS100 was new.
This car is fitted with a correct-type 2.7L. Buyers should be aware that it is a post-war engine of the same type and therefore carries a 'Jaguar' name on the block rather than the 'SS' of the pre-war cars.
This car is fitted with a correct-type 2.7L. Buyers should be aware that it is a post-war engine of the same type and therefore carries a 'Jaguar' name on the block rather than the 'SS' of the pre-war cars.
This car has been used very sparingly since it was extensively restored in the late 1980s. The history file shows extensive maintenance of close to 28,000 CHF plus £2,000 of UK invoices. It is said to be in great running order, a point confirmed by the current Swiss technical inspection certificate, which runs to 2027.
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