HIGHLIGHTS
- Beautiful recreation in fantastic condition
- Old English White / Claret Red
- Jaguar 4.2-litre straight-six
- Extremely low mileage
- One owner since build in 2011/12
THE APPEAL
Approved by Sir William Lyons, SS Cars of Coventry manufactured the SS ‘Jaguar’ 100 between 1936 and 1940, producing a total of just 314 cars. It was the first Jaguar to feature the famous feline mascot and it kickstarted Jaguar Cars and racing machines such as the C-type.
Reaching speeds in excess of 100mph, the highly prized original SS100 was a 1930’s revelation and is regarded as one of the most stunning Jaguar cars ever made. A significant icon of automotive history, it’s therefore not surprising that several companies have gone on to recreate it.
Regarded as one of the best, the Suffolk Sportscars recreation is a highly accurate visual interpretation produced from a high quality chassis, GRP body, aluminium bonnet, XJ6 mechanicals, and a host of exacting ‘SS’ period details.
From head to toe, this fine example simply propels you back to the 1930’s. Gorgeous in Old English White and Claret Red, it retains the Jaguar driving characteristics thanks to the 4.2-litre engine and XJ underpinnings. Having covered so few miles since it’s build in 2011/2012 it is still in excellent condition throughout and is sure to be a joy to own.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- First registered (XJ6) on the 8th January 1971
- Correctly registered as a historic vehicle
- Engine number 8L-135001-H
- Suffolk Jaguar literature
- Extensive build file
- Maintenance invoices
- Last ‘Pass’ MOT was carried out in November 2020
- Currently taxed (exempt) until 1st December 2023
Looking for a challenge, the owner and retired engineer purchased this SS100 in kit-form from Suffolk Jaguar in October 2011 and according to his detailed time logs, spent around 305 hours completing around fifty percent of the build before returning it to Suffolk Jaguar to carry out the skilled finishing-off. This included the installation of the wiring harness, instrumentation, upholstery and hood.
Once complete, Suffolk Jaguar carried out final road tests and licensed it with the DVLA on the 17th April 2012.
Optional extras include a heater, a pair of Lucas spot lamps, and the owner’s favourite - a stainless steel six-branch manifold. You may also notice a rather unique leaping big cat which the owner cheekily commandeered from the owner of Suffolk Jaguar’s desk, Roger Williams - with his kind permission, of course.
This car has not been involved in any accidents, has only been driven in the rain twice and never on gravel roads. It has always been dry stored in a cosy garage with a dehumidifier running continuously during the winter months. The owner is only selling due to health reasons.
THE INTERIOR
- Excellent condition throughout
- ‘SS’ Smiths instruments
- Befitting Claret Red leather upholstery
The stylish and original looking cockpit is in great order. A four-spoke wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel heads up the clean dashboard layout featuring period ‘SS’ Smiths gauges and period switchgear, and in keeping with originality, even a mock fuel tank tap.
From the driver’s seat you can fully appreciate this car’s ‘special’ credentials and sense of importance. Through the fold-down windscreen and aero-screens, the long louvered bonnet stretches before you and the chrome work glistens in the sunshine.
The leather door trims are fine with just a couple of minor scuffs and the upholstery is still supple with no obvious damage. The carpeting and other internal fitting’s also look practically new, reflecting the cars very low usage.
Modern driving aids such as the indicator stalk and a hazard warning light switch are cleverly accommodated under the dash along with an optional heater. Inertia seat belts are also fitted.
A mint mohair hood is stowed under a cover, and at the rear, a lockable storage compartment contains the side screens, tonneau cover and wheel changing kit. A luggage carrier is also included.
THE EXTERIOR
- Impressive quality body a paint
- Lashings of shiny chrome work
- 18” chrome wire wheels
The authentically detailed reproduction of this SS100 is perfectly set-off by the Old English White
coachwork and array of excellent chrome.
Dominated by the stunning radiator grille and huge Lucas ‘King of the Road’ headlights, the nose also includes Lucas spot lights and ‘SS’ horns. At the rear, we find reproduction ‘Owls eye’ lights, a reversing light and fog light. A period fuel filler cap and mock breather pipe sit on the tank.
The paintwork is even and glossy. Other than a small chip on the top of the passenger door and a couple of tiny scuffs, we didn’t detect any scratches, gel-coat deterioration or ‘spiders’. The aluminium bonnet panels are also excellent along with the windscreen, aero-screens, perspex side deflectors and mirrors.
Shining 18” chrome wire wheels, complete with ‘SS’ knock-off spinners, set the car off a treat and are shod with the correct Blockley tyres with around 5mm of tread remaining. The owner informs us that the wheels will need balancing.
Underneath we find a clean, sound-looking powder-coated chassis and suspension components.
THE MECHANICS
- Rebuilt Jaguar 4.2-litre XK straight-six engine
- Refurbished 4-speed gearbox, overdrive and differential
- Electronic ignition
- Twin S.U. carburettors
- Stainless steel exhaust system
The time-served and dependable 4.2-litre power plant sits neatly in the clean engine compartment and is mated to a 4-speed gearbox with overdrive.
A secondhand speedometer, with a reading of 02,947, was utilised in the build. The reading is now 05,408 indicating an average mileage of just 223 miles a year since completion.
There are historical signs of a coolant leak. This was due to a leaking radiator, which has now been rectified at Classics by JSWL, Waterlooville, Hampshire (see photo of invoice)
The car has been serviced annually until 2018 with the last lubrication service being undertaken by a local garage, just 161 miles ago (see photo of invoice).
The steering and independent front suspension and adjustable shock absorbers are said to operate efficiently along with the servo-assisted brakes.
Having manoeuvred this stunning SS100 around for the photoshoot we can confirm that it starts with ease, sounds awesome, and ticks over smoothly with good oil pressure and no obvious signs of exhaust smoke. Indeed, the owner confirms that it “drives beautifully” and is confident that it will pass an MOT.
Reassuringly, following the closure of Suffolk Sportscars, spare parts and servicing are still provided by Suffolk Classic Services of Woodbridge.
SUMMARY
The attainable Suffolk Sportscars SS100 has proved popular amongst Jaguar enthusiasts - a testimony to the remarkable attention to detail and quality of the finished cars.
Clearly well built by the owner and finished off by Suffolk, this beautiful homage to 1930’s motoring is pretty much immaculate throughout and should offer a wonderful exhilarating drive.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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