 1936 SS 100 | 1938 SS 100  |
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1937 SS Cars 100 SS news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  |  | Roadster Chassis Num: 18075 |
The 'SS' designation stood for the Swallow Sidecar & Coach building Company. It was founded by William Walmsley in Blackpool, England. The company was later relocated to Coventry.
The SS90 first appeared in 1935 and was based on a shortened SS1 chassis. It featured a long bonnet, flowing wings, cut-away doors and a short rear. It promised a top speed of 90mph but its Achilles heal would prove to be the sidevalve engine. The SS100 followed the same basic design as its SS90 sibling but rested on a 102-inch wheelbase and powered by the Standard Six with twin SU carburetors. The engine was capable of producing 104 horsepower.
One of the SS100's earliest successes came at the hands of Tommy Wisdom who won the International Alpine Trial in 1936. What was to follow was a slew of class wins in the RAC events of 1937 and 1938.
In total there were around 190 examples of the 2.5-Liter and 118 of the later 3.5-Liter cars. Production ended at the outbreak of war.
This example carries chassis number 18075 and was sent to its original in 1937 and first registered on March 29th of that year. J.M Charters of the UK was its first owner. The car later made its way to the United States and spent time in an Ohio museum as a static display for over 30 years. In recent years, it was treated to a complete restoration in Great Britain and finished in its original black livery.
The car has its original all-aluminum body, steel fenders, and optional dual spares installed.
In 2007 it was brought to Carmel, California where it was offered for sale at Bonhams auction, An Important Sale of Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia. The lot had an estimated value of $380,000 - $430,000. It failed to find an interested buyer willing to satisfy the vehicles reserve and left the auction unsold.
This was the first of the 49 Jaguar SS100s to be exported to the United States in the 1930s and the second of the 3.5 litre cars to be built. This as also the first car to bear the name Jaguar. Initially the company that William Lyons started in 1922 was called Swallow Sidecars. It because SS Cars when car production began, and in 1935 the cars were named SS Jaguars. The name reversed for all of Lyons cars in 1940, and the 'SS' was dropped after the war for obvious reasons. Jaguar's sporting tradition started with the prewar SS100, which laid the foundation for one of Britain's premier marques. During its lifetime this SS100 Jaguar has had owners in both the United States and in Europe. It now lives not far from its Coventry birthplace.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2009
 |  | Roadster |
This SS100 Roadster was completely restored before being acquired by the current owners, how have participated with the vehicle in event such as the Meadowood Rally in Napa Valley.
 |  |  | Roadster Chassis Num: 49026 Engine Num: L1012E |
| Sold for $319,000 at 2012 Gooding & Company. | |||
The car remained with Mr. Woods for the next three decades and was kept in climate-controlled storage when not in use. In the late 1990s, Mr. Wood sold the SS 100 to Gary Ford. The car appeared at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance where the Jaguar earned a class award.
After several years with the car, Mr. Ford sold the car to Brian Classic, an English dealer. The current owner acquired the car from Mr. Classic in 2004. The current owner reupholstered the seats and door panels with leather and completed an extensive detailing of the engine compartment.
At the 2005 Radnor Hunt Concours the Jaguar received a class award and since earned numerous Best IN class, Peoples' Choice and Best in Show awards at various events. It was crowned the 2007 JCNA National Concours Champion in the pre-war category.
The car has painted wire wheels and period-appropriate tires. The engine is a six-cylinder overhead valve unit that displaced 2667cc with twin SU carburetors. It offers 100 horsepower which is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox. There are four-wheel Girling mechanical drum brakes and a suspension by semi-elliptic leaf springs and friction shock absorbers.
In 2012, this car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona. It had a pre-auction estimated value of $325,000 - $400,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $319,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2012
 | Roadster |
This car is powered by an overhead-valve, inline, 2663 cubic-inch, 6-cylinder engine producing 102 horsepower. Coupled to the 4-speed transmission, the car has a top speed of 90 mph and sold for about $2,000 in 1936-37.
This car went to Japan in the early 1970s and was initially part of the famed Hayashi Collection. It then moved into one of the Matsuda Auto Museums in Gotimba, Japan, where it was displayed for 25 years without turning a wheel.
The current owner has had the car for over 15 years and has been heavily campaigned in road rallies through the United States, Europe and Asia.
 |  |  | Roadster Chassis Num: 18081 |
| Sold for $286,000 at 2010 RM Auctions. | |||
The SS100 'Jaguar' was a very capable performer. The 3.5-liter overhead valve engine was introduced in 1938, and many of the 2.5-liter cars were later uprated to this new engine.
This SS100 car still retains its North Yorkshire license plate, BWX 243, and documents date back to the original owner, A.C. Crowther, of Harrogate, who bought it on April 13, 1937. Two more UK owners would care for the car before it was exported to the United States. The car was owned by a Mr. Brown of New Albany, Ohio, J.S. Volmer, of La Grange, Illinois, and George Stauffer of Blue Mounds, Wisconsin.
Kathy and Jerry Nell were the car's next owners. They had it restored in 1984 with the intention of showing the car. The Nells competed in 28 JCNA concours events between 1986 and 2000, winning national class trophies in the process. The car also appeared at Meadow Brook in 1988, Pebble Beach in 1999, the CCCA Grand Classic, the Chicago International Concours, and Masterpieces of Style and Speed in 2008.
The current owners acquired the car from the Nells. The car is powered by an overhead valve six-cylinder 3.5-liter engine with dual SU carburetors. There is a Moss four-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel mechanical drum brakes.
In 2012, this car was offered for sale by RM Auctions at their Monterey, CA sale. The car was estimated to sell for $300,000 - $375,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $352,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2012
The origination of the SS letters designated by Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons, has always been controversial. As his original firm was known as the 'Swallow Sidecar Company', that seems a logical explanation. The SS-100, was the first in a long line of high performance production cars that looked as fast as they went. They were one of the first cars to bear the Jaguar name, although at the time it was just a nameplate; it wouldn't become the corporation's umbrella brand name until after World War II.
William Lyons was born in 1901 and became a keen motorcyclist in his teens. This lead to a friendship with William Walmsley, an individual who was building motorcycle sidecars in a garage on his property. Soon, Lyons was assisting Walmsley's business, and soon the Swallow Sidecar Co., was formed.
The company was formed on September 4, 1922, Lyons' 21st birthday. Production was small at first, but soon drew the attention of the motoring press. This led the company to broaden its horizons to motor cars.
The Swallow Sidecar company became the Swallow Sidecar and Coach Building Co., in 1926. It would continue to move towards full-scale car production. In 1931, the word sidecar disappeared from the company's name, became the Swallow Coachbuilding Co., Ltd. The acquired new facilities in Coventry, which was in close proximity to the Standard Motor Co., Ltd, which supplied engines, underpinnings, and other parts for the Swallow company. A short time later, the companies name was again changed, this time to S.S. Cars, Ltd. and became a publicly-held company.
The SS90 made its debut in 1935. It had a long, louvered hood and low slung coachwork. The 2.7-liter Standard side-valve six-cylinder engine was suitable, but was not a performance powerhouse. It did, however, served as a transition step between the SS1 roadster and the SS100. In total, only 21 examples were produced.
The SS100 had a similar underslung chassis similar to the SS90. The wheelbase measured 104 inches. Under the hood was a Standard six-cylinder engine with a new overhead valve design with aluminum pistons, augmented by a robust bottom end and seven main bears. With the help of two SU carburetors, the engine was capable of producing just over 100 horsepower at 4500RPM, compared to 68 horsepower.
The engine was fitted to a four-speed gearbox with synchromesh engagement in the top three gears. 15-inch Girling aluminum drum brakes were rod-actuated and brought the 18-inch center-lock Dunlop racing wheels to a stop. The suspension was typical for the period, with semi-elliptic leaf springs at all four corners.
The SS100 soon earned a reputation for its performance and handling characteristics. Along with performance, the car had rakish good looks. The '100' in its name was supposed to represent its top speed, but in testing the car did not achieve this figure. Its top speed was close, at 95 mph. Zero-to-sixty was achieved at about 12 to 14 seconds.
Further work was done on the engine, increasing the bore from 73mm to 82mm, and the stroke received similar treatment, being stretched from 106 to 110mm. This resulted in a displacement size increase from 2664cc to 3486cc. Valve diameters expanded, connecting rods were a high-strength steel alloy, and the crankshaft turned in sturdier main bearings. The compression ratio was reduced from 7.6:1 to 7.2:1, and the engine's peak output rpm diminished slightly, thanks to the longer stroke—from 4,600 rpm to 4,250.
Horsepower rose from 102 to 125 horsepower. A new transmission, driveshaft, and differential were added. The result was a zero-to-sixty time in just over 10 seconds and finally capable of topping the 100 mph barrier.
There were 190 examples of the 2.5-liter SS 100s to leave the factory. There were 118 examples of the 3.5-liter vehicles. A SS100 Coupe was created for the 1938 London Motor Show at Earls Court, but never made it past the prototype status.
By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2009
William Lyons was born in 1901 and became a keen motorcyclist in his teens. This lead to a friendship with William Walmsley, an individual who was building motorcycle sidecars in a garage on his property. Soon, Lyons was assisting Walmsley's business, and soon the Swallow Sidecar Co., was formed.
The company was formed on September 4, 1922, Lyons' 21st birthday. Production was small at first, but soon drew the attention of the motoring press. This led the company to broaden its horizons to motor cars.
The Swallow Sidecar company became the Swallow Sidecar and Coach Building Co., in 1926. It would continue to move towards full-scale car production. In 1931, the word sidecar disappeared from the company's name, became the Swallow Coachbuilding Co., Ltd. The acquired new facilities in Coventry, which was in close proximity to the Standard Motor Co., Ltd, which supplied engines, underpinnings, and other parts for the Swallow company. A short time later, the companies name was again changed, this time to S.S. Cars, Ltd. and became a publicly-held company.
The SS90 made its debut in 1935. It had a long, louvered hood and low slung coachwork. The 2.7-liter Standard side-valve six-cylinder engine was suitable, but was not a performance powerhouse. It did, however, served as a transition step between the SS1 roadster and the SS100. In total, only 21 examples were produced.
The SS100 had a similar underslung chassis similar to the SS90. The wheelbase measured 104 inches. Under the hood was a Standard six-cylinder engine with a new overhead valve design with aluminum pistons, augmented by a robust bottom end and seven main bears. With the help of two SU carburetors, the engine was capable of producing just over 100 horsepower at 4500RPM, compared to 68 horsepower.
The engine was fitted to a four-speed gearbox with synchromesh engagement in the top three gears. 15-inch Girling aluminum drum brakes were rod-actuated and brought the 18-inch center-lock Dunlop racing wheels to a stop. The suspension was typical for the period, with semi-elliptic leaf springs at all four corners.
The SS100 soon earned a reputation for its performance and handling characteristics. Along with performance, the car had rakish good looks. The '100' in its name was supposed to represent its top speed, but in testing the car did not achieve this figure. Its top speed was close, at 95 mph. Zero-to-sixty was achieved at about 12 to 14 seconds.
Further work was done on the engine, increasing the bore from 73mm to 82mm, and the stroke received similar treatment, being stretched from 106 to 110mm. This resulted in a displacement size increase from 2664cc to 3486cc. Valve diameters expanded, connecting rods were a high-strength steel alloy, and the crankshaft turned in sturdier main bearings. The compression ratio was reduced from 7.6:1 to 7.2:1, and the engine's peak output rpm diminished slightly, thanks to the longer stroke—from 4,600 rpm to 4,250.
Horsepower rose from 102 to 125 horsepower. A new transmission, driveshaft, and differential were added. The result was a zero-to-sixty time in just over 10 seconds and finally capable of topping the 100 mph barrier.
There were 190 examples of the 2.5-liter SS 100s to leave the factory. There were 118 examples of the 3.5-liter vehicles. A SS100 Coupe was created for the 1938 London Motor Show at Earls Court, but never made it past the prototype status.
By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2009
In 1935 the 'Jaguar' name sprang upon the scene for the first time wîth a completely new saloon and sports car range. William Heynes had been working to produce a completely new box section cruciform braced chassis for a vastly improved new model range. Meanwhile Weslake had been turning his talents to the Standard engine and by adopting overhead valves he succeeded in increasing output from 75 hp of the previous 21/2 litre sidevalve engine to no less than 105 hp. For the new chassis and engine unit, Lyons designed a fresh body style, less flamboyant than previous models, yet still stylish. Indeed it was closer to contemporary Bentleys which cost nearly four times the price!
Sophistication was increasing, and now customers were offered four doors for the first time on an SS. Indeed so different were the new models that it was felt that a new model name was needed. The Company's advertising agency suggested 'Jaguar' and though Lyons took some persuading, it was finally adopted. Thus the new cars would be known as SS Jaguars. The 'Jaguar' name was an ideal choice - feline grace and elegance, combining docility wîth remarkable power and agility. The cars have matured and developed to justify the analogy in every way. With typical showmanship, Lyons had arranged a lunch at the Mayfair Hotel in London to launch the new model to the press a few days before the 1935 Motor Show. The SS Jaguar 21/2 litre saloon was unveiled to much favourable comment and the assembled company were asked to guess the price. The average guess was £632. The actual price… just £395.
All the earlier SS designs had been superseded wîth the exception of the larger Tourer body which lived on wîth a revised radiator grille and the fitment of the new 21/2 litre engine. The superb new sports car design, which had been glimpsed just briefly as the SS 90, reappeared in similar form as the SS Jaguar 100. With a revised treatment around the fuel tank area at the rear, and more importantly, the adoption of the new chassis and engine, the company now produced a sports car to be proud of. For many, the SS 100 is a pre-war classic amongst sports cars. The price, incidentally, was just £395. This new model was to be used to considerable effect in competitions, both national and international.
In 1936 the motoring journalist Tom Wisdom, driving wîth his wife Elsie, won the International Alpine Trials in an SS 100. This car, which came to be known as 'Old Number 8' was run very successfully at the Brooklands circuit by Wisdom and in the Shelsley Walsh hillclimb by Coventry garage and theatre owner, Sammy Newsome. A year later a team of three cars was entered by the factory in the RAC Rally, the premier rally event in Britain. The team, which included the Hon. Brian Lewis (later Lord Essendon) took the Manufacturer's Team Prize but outright success eluded them. Instead the event was won by a privately entered SS 100! A new, enlarged 31/2 litre engine had been developed and tested in 'Old Number 8'. In September 1937, this engine, together wîth a new 11/2 litre unit, joined the 21/2 litre version in a completely revised model range. The new models were not very different in appearance, distinguished from their predecessors by the lack of the side mounted spare wheel, but the range now employed 'all steel' construction. Additionally the old Tourer was replaced by Drophead versions of the saloon in each engine size.
Heynes had designed a further stronger chassis for the new body construction resulting in more interior space and bigger doors. Prices ranged from £298 for the 11/2 litre saloon to £465 for the 31/2 litre Drophead Coupe. The new 31/2 litre engine was fitted to the '100' model and this gave genuine sports car performance wîth sixty miles per hour reached from a standstill in 10.5 seconds and a top speed of over 100 mph. At £445 the bigger-engined SS 100 was in a class of its own. Meanwhile the experimental 31/2 litre unit fitted to 'Old Number 8' was being increasingly modified. Responsible for this work was a man who had accepted the position of Chief Experimental Engineer wîth SS in 1938. His name was Walter Hassan, a man destined to become a legend in the motor racing world and one who would play an important role in the Jaguar story. For the Motor Show of that year Lyons had designed a stylish closed body for the SS 100. Reminiscent of the Bugattis of the period, just one was made before the outbreak of World War Two decreed an end to car production.Source - Jaguar
For more information and related vehicles, click hereSophistication was increasing, and now customers were offered four doors for the first time on an SS. Indeed so different were the new models that it was felt that a new model name was needed. The Company's advertising agency suggested 'Jaguar' and though Lyons took some persuading, it was finally adopted. Thus the new cars would be known as SS Jaguars. The 'Jaguar' name was an ideal choice - feline grace and elegance, combining docility wîth remarkable power and agility. The cars have matured and developed to justify the analogy in every way. With typical showmanship, Lyons had arranged a lunch at the Mayfair Hotel in London to launch the new model to the press a few days before the 1935 Motor Show. The SS Jaguar 21/2 litre saloon was unveiled to much favourable comment and the assembled company were asked to guess the price. The average guess was £632. The actual price… just £395.
All the earlier SS designs had been superseded wîth the exception of the larger Tourer body which lived on wîth a revised radiator grille and the fitment of the new 21/2 litre engine. The superb new sports car design, which had been glimpsed just briefly as the SS 90, reappeared in similar form as the SS Jaguar 100. With a revised treatment around the fuel tank area at the rear, and more importantly, the adoption of the new chassis and engine, the company now produced a sports car to be proud of. For many, the SS 100 is a pre-war classic amongst sports cars. The price, incidentally, was just £395. This new model was to be used to considerable effect in competitions, both national and international.
In 1936 the motoring journalist Tom Wisdom, driving wîth his wife Elsie, won the International Alpine Trials in an SS 100. This car, which came to be known as 'Old Number 8' was run very successfully at the Brooklands circuit by Wisdom and in the Shelsley Walsh hillclimb by Coventry garage and theatre owner, Sammy Newsome. A year later a team of three cars was entered by the factory in the RAC Rally, the premier rally event in Britain. The team, which included the Hon. Brian Lewis (later Lord Essendon) took the Manufacturer's Team Prize but outright success eluded them. Instead the event was won by a privately entered SS 100! A new, enlarged 31/2 litre engine had been developed and tested in 'Old Number 8'. In September 1937, this engine, together wîth a new 11/2 litre unit, joined the 21/2 litre version in a completely revised model range. The new models were not very different in appearance, distinguished from their predecessors by the lack of the side mounted spare wheel, but the range now employed 'all steel' construction. Additionally the old Tourer was replaced by Drophead versions of the saloon in each engine size.Heynes had designed a further stronger chassis for the new body construction resulting in more interior space and bigger doors. Prices ranged from £298 for the 11/2 litre saloon to £465 for the 31/2 litre Drophead Coupe. The new 31/2 litre engine was fitted to the '100' model and this gave genuine sports car performance wîth sixty miles per hour reached from a standstill in 10.5 seconds and a top speed of over 100 mph. At £445 the bigger-engined SS 100 was in a class of its own. Meanwhile the experimental 31/2 litre unit fitted to 'Old Number 8' was being increasingly modified. Responsible for this work was a man who had accepted the position of Chief Experimental Engineer wîth SS in 1938. His name was Walter Hassan, a man destined to become a legend in the motor racing world and one who would play an important role in the Jaguar story. For the Motor Show of that year Lyons had designed a stylish closed body for the SS 100. Reminiscent of the Bugattis of the period, just one was made before the outbreak of World War Two decreed an end to car production.Source - Jaguar
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| Audi | BMW |
| Honda | Infiniti |
| Land Rover | Lexus |
| Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Saab | Subaru |
| Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Volvo | |
| Similarly Sized Vehicles from 1937 |
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| Peugeot 402 Darl Mat |
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| Similarly Priced Vehicles from 1937 |
| Cord 810 ($2,000-$2,200) |
Average Auction Sale: $208,746 |
| SS Cars: 1931-1940 |
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| SS Cars History |
| Other models by SS Cars |
| Manufacturer Website |
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| 1.5 Litre C-Type D-Type E-Series | Mark Mark IV Mark IX Mark V | Mark VII Mark X S-Type SS 100 | SS II X-Type XF XJ | XJ-S XJ220 XJR Group 44, IMSA, and Group C XK | XK Series XKSS |
| 1936 SS 100 | 1938 SS 100 |
