Highlights

Aluminium construction
Highly regarded coachbuilt Birchfield SS100 evocation
Early car and one of only 22 built
Reported 16,000 miles from new
Restored in 2016 including respray, interior refurbishment, and complete overhaul
Current keeper since 2015 is a long-term Jaguar enthusiast member
Completed London to Brighton classic car run most years
Only used on dry days and garaged when at home

The Appeal

The Birchfield was built by Shapecraft, and Shapecraft had very high standards. Founded by a former Panther Westwinds employee, it was staffed by ex-Aston Martin panel beaters, all part of a goal to rejuvenate the art of coachbuilt cars.

The body was fashioned from 116 gauge aluminium and built on a steel tube chassis using Jaguar XJ6 running gear. The SS100 Jaguar was an obvious reference point, but with all that craftsmanship the Birchfield is far more than mere replica. It was expensive too, with just 22 or perhaps only 18 leaving the works over 10 years.

This beautiful yellow example is one of the earliest produced. It takes its identity from the 1974 Daimler donor car and features a 4.2L version of Jaguar’s XK straight-six, mated to a three-speed automatic gearbox. We’re told that the displayed mileage of 16,021 miles is correct. The condition is impressive, as you can see in the photos.

The vendor is a long-term JEC member and acquired the car in 2015. In 2016 it received a comprehensive overhaul including repaint and interior retrim. That, plus the sparing use, likely explains why it presents so well in photos.

The arrival of a Birchfield on the market is sure to spark interest. This well presented car must be one of the best of the handful built.

The vendor says:

“The car is amazing to drive, with a lovely sporty exhaust noise which makes summer day driving with the hood down exhilarating, makes you feel 20 again. I’ve had many classics over the years, and every classic drives differently. This is so much fun and a head turner wherever you go. We are now in our 70s and decided that the time has come to let someone else have this wonderful car.”

History and Paperwork

UK market RHD donor Daimler first registered 9th December 1974
Appears to have been built in 1986
Colour change registered in March 1986 from green to yellow
Six registered keepers
Current keeper since August 2015
Historic Vehicle that is MOT and tax exempt
Completely resprayed on 1st March 2016
Seats, centre console, and door cards refurbished around 2016
New carpets fitted around 2016
Wooden steering wheel and dash fitted around 2016
Only used on dry days and garaged when at home
Completed London to Brighton classic car run most years
Taken to many Jaguar events over the years
Current keeper has been Jaguar enthusiast member for approximately 30 years
Original paint available for future repairs
Only 16,021 miles covered in 52 years we are told
VIN number SC101
Last MOT expired 18th July 2022 with no advisories showing 14,158 miles

The Condition

Very high quality coachbuilt car with aluminium panels prepared by ex-Aston workers
Repainted in original 1980s yellow paint finish in 2016 to a high standard
The vendor describes the exterior as in very good order
Very slight mark on right-hand wheel arch caused by hood fastener
Underside in very good order and fully undersealed we are told
Bright chromework with matching wire wheels
Black folding fabric roof with removable side screens in good condition
Well detailed car including split windscreen
Cream leather interior is very well kept following 2016 retrim
The vendor describes the interior as presenting well
All electric switches working we are told
Fuel gauge intermittently not displaying, likely due to sticking tank sensor

The Mechanics

4,235cc XK Jaguar straight-six engine
Three-speed automatic transmission
The vendor describes the engine as in very good order
Manual choke conversion fitted
Air filter upgrade fitted

BEFORE YOU BUY

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