Description
Source: RM Sotheby’s
SS Jaguar 100 3½-Litre Roadster – 1937
Chassis n° 39011
RM Sotheby’s
Place Vauban
Parijs – Paris
Frankrijk – France
February 2020
Estimated : € 350.000 – 400.000
Sold for € 252.500
As the first ‘real’ Jaguar, the SS 100 set the way for the marque in both design and competition. It showed the genius of founder Sir William Lyons, who had gone from rebodying the chassis of other manufacturers to launching a world-beating sports car of his own in just six years. Launched in 1935, it boasted a near-100 mph top speed, rakish styling, and a price that was a fraction of its more exotic rivals.
Needless to say, the SS 100 proved to be highly competitive. Tom Wisdom won the International Alpine Trials in 1936, followed by the RAC Rally. From 1937 the SS 100 moved to an all-steel construction with a stiffer chassis and a wider body with bigger doors. The engine had been bored to 3½ litres, and with a revised manifold, it developed 125 bhp. William Lyons was focused on saloons, so just 118 were produced until 1938, when production was halted.
It left the Coventry factory in December 1937 finished in Gunmetal with a black leather interior, destined for the Attwood dealership in Wolverhampton, where it was sold to A N Twentyman, according to the accompanying JDHT Certificate. Remaining with the car are copies of invoices dating to 1946, the earliest of which show servicing at the factory under the ownership of a Lt Commander Whitby of Bristol. While its history until 1985 is unknown, it is believed to have remained in England until May of 1994, when it was sold from an owner in London to Gerhard Grada of Dortmund, Germany. It is important to note that at some point during this time, the car’s chassis number was restamped, although the engine number bears a correct stamping and is the original engine for chassis no. 39011.
Grada carried out an extensive restoration, including an engine rebuild, and the colour was changed to British Racing Green. The car was prepared for historic events and went on to take part in several rallies, including the Flying Scotsman rally in both 2011 and 2014, as well as events in Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic. Eligible for numerous events throughout Europe, this SS 100 is ready for many more adventures.
Taken on February 5, 2020
Photos: original-39011-001 to 025
Source: Ultimate Car Page
– Chassis: 39011 – Auction: 2020 RM Sotheby’s Paris (Sold for €252,500)
Added 14th February 2021
original-39011-26 and 27
Source: FlickR
Jaguar SS 100 Roadster 3 ½ litres 1937
118 exemplaires
Vendu 252.500€
Taken on February 4, 2020
Photo: original-39011-028
Source: FlickR
Photos: original-39011-029 to 032
Source: FlickR
Jaguar SS100 Sports Car – 1937
Taken on March 28, 2009
Photos: original-39011-033 to 034