Over nearly 20years of sourcing and selling outstanding Jaguar cars I guess one can become a bit desensitised to extraordinary cars. However, that is not going to happen with this truly outstanding piece of Jaguar history.

Here we have a Jaguar SS100 from 1937 presented in virtually concours condition. If only the very best is good enough then this is the car you are looking for.

The Swallow Sidecar, SS Cars Ltd, Jaguar story is well documented and I am not going to dwell on that because the car is the star of this narrative.

In the substantial supporting file is a documented chronological history of this car from initial order right up to the present day. Also in the file are 2 photos from the 1930’s and these have really captured my imagination. One has 4 ladies and a gentleman standing behind the car for a photograph smiling proudly. The other looks to be earlier and has a lady leaning on the car with the roof up and snow and ice all around. This was a special car in the day and it was also an everyday mode of transport too. The fact it is here after the second world war and almost 90 years after it was produced is quite remarkable. The service it has given and the stories it could tell are the stuff of our endless thirst for nostalgia and reference to a ‘better’ time.

Now, 90 years and 5 custodians later we are here looking for a suitable 6th custodian. The first 4 custodians all documented in the history file had clearly taken the car to their heart and their passion. The current owner added this beauty to his collection in 2012. The SS100 continued to be well used and documented as such with event photos, MOT’s and supporting service work on the history file.

In 2020 he decided to engage Classic Restoration Services of Chichester to refurbish the car and this is comprehensively detailed and photographed with every hour of expert time logged. Invoices for this work adding up to £168,904. You would expect the SS100 to be presented in virtually concours condition and that expectation will be realised when a prospective new custodian views the car.

I am a 6’3” 17st man and I sit comfortably in the SS100. The cabin is beautifully designed with an array of visually stunning gauges keeping the pilot informed of operational matters at a glance. The steering wheel is large and sits on my thighs but it doesn’t restrict me. From the driving position the view down the windscreen or aero screen option is magical. Beautifully sculpted louvres lead you to the chrome headlights with small side lights mounted on the wings. Drop the windscreen, reverse your flat cap and don a pair of aero goggles and prepare to be transported back into pre war Britain. You will be thrilled

This is old technology but it was the best of technology in the 1930’ and all these years later the SS gives a unique and magical driving experience. All the driving components are ‘as new’ and as such it steers and stops very well. It keeps its cool too. Even in 30degrees as we have had this week. The 2500cc 6 cylinder OHV engine is really smooth and the exhaust note deep free flowing from the twin exhaust pipes. Fuel fed through the twin SU carburettors freely enough to enable pretty rapid acceleration and speeds of 70mph plus are easily attainable.

Once you have learned how to drive the SS it will reward you with an experience you will never forget. It’s not easy to drive and you do have to earn its respect. When you do it will give you a sensory experience you will not want to stop

The SS100 looks like it’s doing 100mph standing still. I’ve driven it to 70mph and it makes me very very happy and frankly honoured to have had the experience. My grandfather Harry built these cars back in the day and I have his photo on my desk as I am writing this. He has his flat cap on standing next to his Jaguar and I am emotional and grateful.

This SS100 is one of the most stunning cars I have ever seen. It looks amazing from any angle. The car drives without fault and has been clearly well loved by its 5 owners over 90 years. You will be a special person to buy this car and if you do it will enrichen your life in a most thrilling and nostalgic way.

An amazing car