Beskrivning
For sale in our forthcoming auction 'Retromobile the Official Sale', on 2 February 2024 :
Temporary import vehicle
Swiss title
Chassis No 49044
- Only 198 examples in 2 ½ L version
- In the same family between 1991 and 2022
- Beautiful traditional restoration
Prototype of the 1930s sports roadster with its long bonnet, its slender wings, its two large headlights framing a compact grille and the deep sound of its 6-cylinder engine, the SS100 is an invitation to take the road. Its name says it all, the "100" meaning "100 mph" (or 160 km/ h) being its top speed: a brilliant per-formance during that era. Offered in 2 ½ L and 3 ½ L versions, its production was limited to just over 300 examples, all versions combined.
As evidenced by its Jaguar Heritage certificate, the chassis 49044 left the facto-ry on the 28th June 1938 and was sold new on the 19th July 1938 to a H. J Pye through London distributor Henlys. Its lovely bodywork was in gunmetal grey metallic, combined with red upholstery. After the war, the car was exported to the USA and owned by Dr. M. R. Springer in Arkansas, where the car was regis-tered with the Classic Jaguar Register in August 1982. It then moved to Arizona before being sold to Chris Williams. In the mid-1980s, the car came back to England and the beginning of a restoration was carried out between 1988 and 1989 for the chassis and the engine, the latter being the right displacement, but replaced at the time by a post-war one instead. A file bears witness to this work.
The car was then purchased by a professional who offered it at the time with a restoration which would be completed according to the new owner's tastes. That's how it got painted in black colour with tan interior, in order to satisfy the choice of Mr. Perkins, a Swiss collector who acquired it in June 1991. Kept in the family until 2022, it only covered 2, 353 miles in 30 years! Its servicing was consistent during this period, totalling over 27, 000 Swiss Francs and almost £2, 000. In August 2021, the car passed the Swiss technical inspection for clas-sic cars, known as a strict one and valid for 6 years. This Jaguar SS100 does not lack in style; its regular servicing combined with its traditional restoration, gives it an unrivalled charm that makes you want to drive on the road instantly.
