1932 Swallow SS1 Coupe

In 1922, R.W. Walmsley and William Lyons joined forces with the intent to build sidecars. Before long they were building automobile bodies and were looking towards their next product to design and build. Looking past his current pursuits, Lyons introduced the first SS-badged model in 1931 at the Olympia Motor Show. The SS1 Coupe had a long-wheelbase, a long cowl and bonnet, a backset radiator, and helmet-type front wings. The custom chassis was supplied by the Standard Motor Company and featured a two-liter inline six-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed gearbox. The longer bonnet was designed to give motorists the impression of more horsepower. That first model also had no running boards and seating for four.

Chassis number 135302
This is a first-series SS1 Coupe that was built on February 25th of 1932. After completion, it was sold to Mr. W.K. Shipton of Penzance, Cornwall, England. Its known history begins in 1938 when the SS1 was registered by Brian Sawers in South Australia. Having been previously converted to a tourer, the SS1 remained in this configuration through numerous Australian owners. Under the bonnet, the original matching-number engine remained. By 1969, a Vauxhall powerplant had been fitted for increased horsepower, with the original engine and gearbox always remaining with the car.

In the early 1970s, the car was imported to the United States for the first time. The current caretaker purchased the car in 1979 and put it into storage until a full restoration could be undertaken, beginning in 1997.

The restoration was a personal project and was done to a very high standard. The work was performed beside an original example, helping ensure correctness throughout. With just eight examples of the early helmet-fendered coupe are known to exist worldwide, having two examples in one location was certainly a rare and special occurrence.

The interior is done in medium blue leather. The wood is finished with a green hue that enlivens the grain of the veneer. The exterior is finished in Lavender Grey and black.

The restoration was completed in 2003 and it made its restoration debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, followed by several Concours events in California, earning many first place trophies along the way.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2013