1933 Jaguar SS1 – Auction Car of the Week

It’s always a treat when a car like this 1933 Jaguar SS1 comes up for sale. It serves as a reminder and gives us a glimpse at the very beginnings of a budding car company. A company that would go on to become a genre defining manufacturer and one of the greatest and most famous auto makers in history. This is an important car. It was genesis for Jaguar, before it had even settled on that now esteemed moniker, back when it was known as the Swallow Sidecar Company with a young Sir William Lyons at the helm.

The SS1 is was a six-cylinder, rear-wheel-drive sports saloon that was renowned for its chic body and reasonable price tag. At the time of course. These cars are now incredibly sought after by collectors, and rightly so. Just look at it. Available in a number of different body styles from fixed head coupés to convertibles the SS1 was unveiled at the London Motor Show in 1931 and enjoyed a five year production run. The original side-valve six pot was available with either 2054cc or 2552cc and was supplied by the Standard Motor Company. Capacity was later increased to 2143cc and 2663cc, both increasing power over those original motors to 53bhp and 68bhp respectively.

The example we have available is a 1933 2.5-litre open tourer. What that equates to is an absolutely stunning convertible four-seater with 62bhp on tap. This is a true survivor car in the literal sense having made it safely through the Spanish Civil War. It was delivered new to Barcelona in 1933 but when the Republicans and Nationalists butted heads and it all kicked off in Spain in 1936 the owner, so enamoured as they were with the car, hid it away and had the official paperwork invalidated to try and preserve their pride and joy. Thankfully it worked and the SS1 resurfaced with a fresh registration in 1942.

The car has been fully restored, backed up by a comprehensive photographic record and it looks gorgeous. Re-painted in an original SS1 factory colour of Apple Green the bodywork presents fantastically well and the contrasting dark green fenders, running boards and wire wheels complete the look. Tastefully sprinkled with bright, polished chrome pieces this Jaguar SS1 presents impeccably well throughout. The tan hood is present and correct and fits exactly as it should, matching the beige carpets perfectly.

As part of the restoration process the interior has been reupholstered with dark green leather seats and dashboard which pair with the darker accents of the exterior, tastefully tying everything together. Not only are the exterior bodywork and interior upholstery on point but what you don’t see is in equally wonderful condition. Thanks to our comprehensive collection of photos we are privy to the underside of the car and it is clearly evident that not a single square inch has been overlooked as far as the recommissioning of this Jaguar SS1 is concerned. From fresh chassis paint to healthy suspension and braking components the quality of the restoration work is clear.

Mechanically speaking the car is on point too. The 2.5, six-cylinder side valve engine is clean, healthy and sounds fantastic and along with the four-speed manual gearbox it all works exactly as Sir William intended. This is a running, driving Jaguar SS1 that has been sympathetically yet comprehensively overhauled to a very high standard. It’s a rare beast indeed, even more so in this condition and with a displayed 6 miles since the restoration it’s as fresh as they come. Currently residing in the Netherlands it is available now so get bidding for your chance to own a truly remarkable and trend setting piece of automotive history.