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 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.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..