Description
The SS1 was introduced in 1931 by the Swallow Coachbuilding Company, the forerunner of Jaguar, as its first true production sports tourer. Designed under the direction of the visionary William Lyons, the SS1 combined strikingly low, elegant styling with dependable Standard mechanicals at an affordable price, quickly establishing the company’s reputation for producing cars of exceptional style and value. The SS1 featured a long bonnet, sweeping wings, and a distinctive two-door coupé or open tourer body that captivated the motoring public of the early 1930s, making it one of the most desirable sporting cars in its class. Throughout its production run, the model saw continual refinement, including the availability of 16, 20 and 25 horsepower engines, improved brakes, and minor styling updates, all of which enhanced its appeal.
In addition to its road-going popularity, the SS1 also enjoyed modest success in competition, appearing in rallies and trials of the period, which helped cement its sporting credentials. Approximately ** 4, 200 examples** of the SS1 were produced between 1931 and 1936, making it a relatively rare sight today and highly sought-after by collectors. Beyond its commercial and sporting achievements, the SS1 holds a special place in motoring history as the car that laid the foundations for the SS90 and the legendary SS100, and ultimately for the birth of the Jaguar marque. A quintessential expression of 1930s British motoring culture, the SS1 embodied the glamour, modernity, and ambition of its era.
