1936 SS Cars SS 100 Roadster

In 1936 SS Cars Ltd. began producing an open two-seat sports model called the SS Jaguar 100. Along with the saloon (sedan) version, this was the first car to bear the Jaguar name, later adopted for the entire marque. Very much a hand-built car, it was treated as a showcase model by the manufacturer and not many more than 300 were produced. Its rarity makes it one of the most desired classic sports cars. It has all the design features typical of an English sports car of the 1930s, sweeping curved fenders, long hood, larger headlights and grille and huge wheel radius. No wonder a magazine called the SS 100 'the cad's car.' The car is powered by an overhead-valve, inline, 2663 cubic-centimeters, six-cylinder engine producing 102 horsepower. Coupled to the four-speed transmission the car has a top speed of 90 mph and sold for about $2,000 in 1936-37.

Although the origins of this body are not certain, this unique example is very similar to a Saoutchik bodied SS100. This car came to the United States in 1955 and is believed that its body was customized in England either before or shortly after World War II by an unknown coachbuilder. In addition to its unusual aubergine color, it features alligator upholstery with matching luggage and a rosewood trimmed interior.