Description
Source: Bonhams
LOT 449
From the Collection of the late Jack Tattersall,1936 SS100 Jaguar 2½ litre (see below) Roadster
Registration no. ESK 405 Chassis no. 18032 Engine no. 250917
£ 220,000 – 250,000
US$ 290,000 – 330,000
FOLLOW
Goodwood Festival of Speed, Collectors’ Motor Cars, Watches and Automobilia
1 Jul 2011, 14:00 BST
Chichester, Goodwood
Factory publicity described the sensational new SS100 as ‘primarily intended for competition work’ and ‘sufficiently tractable to use as a fast tourer without modification’. The Heynes-designed overhead valve engine was capable of giving the car a genuine 100mph performance and the styling of the new sports two-seater reflected William Lyons’ influence at its very best. William Heynes’ appointment as Chief Engineer at Coventry was a master stroke and Lyons went on to recruit gas-flow consultant Harry Weslake to further develop the sporting engines fitted to the SS range. The SS100 was launched to much acclaim in 1936 and marked the company’s first use of the Jaguar name. The SS100 was shorter than its SS90 predecessor, employing a 102inch wheelbase chassis, and early models were equipped with the six-cylinder, 2,663cc Standard engine. Weslake’s technical genius enabled this unit to develop 104bhp, breathing through twin SU carburettors.
The SS100 quickly made its mark in competition, Tommy Wisdom, crewed by his wife, taking the victors laurels in the International Alpine Trial in 1936, bringing the fledgling SS marque to the attention of the continental public. This was just the start of an illustrious competition career for the SS100, the likes of Jaguar dealers Sammy Newsome and Ian Appleyard continuing its competition successes. SS100s achieved class wins in the testing RAC Rallies in 1937 and 1938 and won the Alpine again outright in 1948. Production was curtailed in 1939 upon the outbreak of war, by which time 190 or so of the 2½ litre cars had been manufactured and 118 of the later more powerful 3½ litre cars had left the production line.
This car was first registered to E W L Cowan on 24th July 1936. Little is known of its subsequent history until it is recorded in the ownership of Jane Rotella in New York in 1969. Soon afterwards she sold it to a Mr Keith in Santa Ana, California, and he was to retain this car until his death in 1984. W L Martin II acquired the car from his widow in 1985 and in 1986 this car underwent a major mechanical restoration involving fitting of steel rods, hardened valves and seats, new pistons, all bearings, 3½ litre crankshaft, etc, etc. This work was carried out in preparation for the 1987 Great American Race from California to Florida where it distinguished itself, finishing first in its class and 12th overall. In 1988 18032 successfully completed the demanding Mille Miglia, completing that event again in 1991 and 1992.
Special details of the engine in this car include the 3½ litre crank (additional stroke plus modern inserts), modern steel connecting rods, custom-built short skirt domed pistons, bore 20 thou over standard, hard valve seats and valves, gas-flowed cylinder head, 3½ litre oil pump, additional oil flow to rockers, upgraded water pump impeller, modern seals and magneto ignition. Notes with the car indicate that to control wear the engine was always run with a modern oil filter and oil cooler. In short the above modifications were carried out to enhance both performance and reliability and the efficacy of the work has been proven by its competition record.
18032 was acquired by Jack Tattersall from W L Martin in March 1998. He commissioned the re-liverying of the car in its present metallic silver livery with perhaps a hint of blue – a well chosen colour scheme indeed. Jack Tattersall was a connoisseur with a gift for improving and lifting the cars in his collection to concours d’élégance standards. 18032 received the Jack Tattersall treatment. The car is equipped with Lucas headlamps with protective stone guards, twin Alto horns, centre spotlight and an SS Car Club badge. The radiator sports the universally recognised Leaping Jaguar mascot. The comfortable cockpit is superbly trimmed in red leather with matching carpets. Chrome wire wheels enhance the overall appearance and twin Lucas ‘Owleye’ rear lamps are fitted.
We have driven in this car and can only eulogise about its outstanding performance, overall taut feel over twisty undulating roads and its sheer grunt and tractability. It is so rare to find these qualities combined with a car prepared to concours d’élégance standards.
18032 is offered ready for exhibition on the most exclusive concours d’élégance lawns or equally well prepared for serious motoring on demanding Continental tours, following the usual essential checks and servicing which are recommended after a period of little use. It comes with UK registration documents, its previous California plates (2GVJ219), current road fund licence and MoT certificate.