'1936 SS 100 Two-Seater Sports Roadster
story by Keith Martin
of collecting Jaguar
Devastatingly handsome , freakishly low , and exuding more than its share of visual panache , the SS-100 is a classic pre-war Jaguar.
When the young 'William Lyons' introduced his devastatingly handsome SS Jaguar 100 sports car two – seater in the fall of 1935 , it was viewed with some skepticism by the rather conservative English sporting motorists of the day . Rakishly low , with over 90 mph readily available and acceleration to match , it was well – equipped and finished , yet cost a mere 398 pounds . Surly there was a catch somewhere ? Time has shown there was , indeed , no catch . With its long , many – louvered hood , it's open cockpit with cutaway sides it's arching fenders , the SS Jaguar 100 symbolize traditional 1930's sports car design . Just as brilliant successors , the Jaguar XK-120 roadster and the Jaguar E-type coupe represented in the 1940's in the 1960's.
'William Lyons' masterstroke was to make use of existing well-tried components from the multitude of makers surrounding him in Coventry England . Steering gear , axles , gearboxes , instruments , even the chassis frame and more , all were brought in from the English industry's most reputable companies . The long-lived and powerful overhead valve engine was involved by the famed 'Henry Westlake' from a standard motor Company unit used in previous SS-Jaguar models . Even in the striking aluminum fenders were supplied in batches by a specialist , although it must become considered that each SS-Jaguar 100 body skillfully handcrafted using technical methods . Brought together by Lyons' young team of gifted engineers , the result was a responsive high performance car with excellent steering , brakes and gearbox. There was a limited market in Britain in the late 1930's for such a car , even at Lyons relatively low price . In a few seasons before the war put an end to production , only 130 were sold , plus 118 of the 3.5 Liter version introduced in 1937. ( though that is a total ,most of his competitors would have regarded that as very satisfactory ).
Serial number #18031 is the last SS built in 1936 and the 31st one produced.it has a documented list of voters since 1946 . In the early 1980s, it was completely disassembled and restored. It was sold in pieces to the current owner in 1983 who wonder took extensive restoration. He spent hundreds of hours taking notes, carefully examining old photos and seeking the advice of Jaguar experts from as far away as England and South Africa. All bodywork, painting, chassis, mechanical and assembly was lovingly carried out by the owner, and the car has all matching numbers to prove it. Were ever original items were missing, such as the top, the original pattern was located to copy exactly. The final result speaks for itself after completion this car competed in four Jaguar club of North America Concourse in 1986, scoring for first place, with a 99.98, 99.96, 99.96 and a 100 point score. It has also been awarded the best older restored car by the veteran motorcar club . This SS 100 sold on August 17, 1997 at Christie's Pebble Beach auction for $156,500. Here are a few pictures of this totally awesome Jaguar fully restored at SS 100 automobile.
'1936 Two seat
Jaguar SS-100
#18036 is the last SS-100 built and completely restored to it's original build.
