One of just 126 2½-Litre SS 100s in the first series built for 1936/37
First owned by Lord Charles Hector Fitzroy MacLean, 27th Chief of Clan MacLean, who later became Chief Scout of the Commonwealth
Notable Australian racing history and was later owned by John Bradman, son of Sir Donald Bradman
Comprehensively restored between 2012 and 2015, with the car returned to the road by mid-2015
Upgraded to 3½ litre specification with new crankshaft, pistons and engine components
Offered with full weather equipment including side screens
The Appeal
The SS100 stands as one of the most beautiful and capable pre-war British sports cars, a precursor to the legendary Jaguar marque. With just 126 examples of the 2½ litre first series built for 1936/37, this is a rare motor car by any measure, and this particular example boasts a fascinating provenance that spans continents and includes ownership by genuine luminaries.
Chassis 18053 was purchased new in January 1937 by Lord Charles Hector Fitzroy MacLean, 27th Chief of Clan MacLean, who, at just 20 years old, had recently inherited his family's fortune. Lord MacLean would go on to be knighted by the Queen in 1971 and, as head of the Queen's Household, organised the funeral of HRH The Duke of Windsor and the weddings of Princess Anne and Prince Charles. He also served as Chief Scout of the Commonwealth. After Lord MacLean's brief ownership, the SS100 was exported to Australia in late 1937, where it embarked on an active competition career, including the Rob Roy Hill Climb in 1938. Perhaps most notably, the car was owned from 1961 to 1964 by John Bradman, son of cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman.
Following decades in storage from 1964 to 2007, this SS100 was comprehensively restored between 2012 and 2015. The body was removed, the chassis inspected and painted, and new aluminium body panels were expertly crafted by Viv Horian at Art on Wheels. The car was upgraded to 3½ litre specification with a new crankshaft, pistons, aluminium radiator and associated components supplied by Crankshaft Rebuilders. New wheels, hubs, tyres and a hood by Grant White Motor Trimmers complete the package. Since returning to the road in mid-2015, the SS100 has been actively enjoyed at club events across Australia.
For collectors seeking a rare pre-war sports car with notable provenance, competition history and a thorough restoration, this SS100 represents an unmissable opportunity.DSC_1301.jpg7.55 MB
History and Paperwork
UK RHD car first registered in January 1937
First owner was Lord Charles Hector Fitzroy MacLean, 27th Chief of Clan MacLean, purchased new at age 20
Lord MacLean was later knighted by the Queen in 1971 and served as Chief Scout of the Commonwealth
Exported to Australia in late 1937 after covering 8,000 miles
Racing history including Rob Roy Hill Climb in June 1938 and several other events
Owned by John Bradman, son of Sir Donald Bradman, from April 1961 to 1964
Stored by Don Brown in Melbourne from 1964 to 2007
Restoration commenced by John Clucas in 2007
Current ownership since 2012
Restoration completed and car back on the road by mid-2015
Photographic record of the restoration work included
Driven to club events including Orange, NSW in September 2016 and The Barossa, SA in November 2017
Offered with Australian registration, exempt from technical inspection due to age
Body removed and chassis inspected for straightness, then painted body colour
Frame and aluminium body panels remade by Viv Horian at Art on Wheels
Body and guards painted by Art on Wheels
Detailed items as fitted when new, except indicators and left-hand number plate for rear number plate light
Hood made by Grant White Motor Trimmers
All new wheels, hubs and tyres fitted
The SS 100's low-slung body set the blueprint for Jaguar's design language, a feature of all its models throughout the 20th century. It is undoubtedly one of the prettiest cars of the pre-war era, and our example looks particularly fine in this colour scheme.
A mere glance at the photographs reveals this to be a beautiful example of the marque. The standard of the restoration, evidenced in the photo record, was evidently very good, and the car has clearly been well-kept ever since. For inclement weather, the SS 100 comes with a full hood and side screens by Grant White Motor Trimmers.
New 3½ litre crankshaft supplied and fitted by Crankshaft Rebuilders
New pistons and assorted engine parts supplied by Crankshaft Rebuilders
New aluminium radiator and all hoses
Four-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on the top three ratios
Previously modified by Geoff Inglis to produce 132bhp at the flywheel at 5,500rpm with top speed of 104mph
Electric fan fitted for Australian hot weather conditions
Beyond the stunning looks, the SS 100 boasted serious performance. In period testing, Autocar recorded a 95 mph top speed, but it should be remembered that our car has been somewhat 'hot-rodded' with a 3½ litre powerplant, and is therefore reportedly capable of 104mph. Described by the vendor as being exceedingly good to drive, this early Jaguar is among the most usable pre-war sporting motorcars on the market today.
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