Jaguar SS100 3 1/2 Litre (1939)

In 1937, two British sports car companies combined forces to produce what was too many, the most beautiful sports car in the world. Standard Motor & Co and Swallow Sidecar Co called their offspring the SS100 and produced 314 cars being produced overall. Just 116 of which were in the alluring 3½ litre form.

Not only did the SS100 define the ultimate shape of a 1930's sports roadster but the SS100 was one of the fastest andbest handling sports cars of its day, as its competition record both pre and post war bears witness to.

On September 20th, 1939, immediately preceding the Battle of Britain, this superb SS100 was sold by Jaguar Dealer PJ Evans Ltd in Birmingham, to Mr H.P. Terry and Sons Ltd with the registration CNP197. Mr Terry immediately used the car to race in company sponsored events, one of which in 1939, a sprint event staged at the Jaguar Factory where it placed first overall.

In 1948, it was sold via Jaguar dealer Arthur Feuerbahher, St. Louis to Mr Samuel Lortz. Mr Lortz was an American Naval Radar expert, awarded for playing his part in the capture of the famous German U - Boat U505, and was an avid collector and racer of only the finest sports cars.

Within one year of ownership, Mr Lortz sold the car to American TV personality Dave Garroway in 1948, who went on to campaign it across many of the East Coast of United States race tracks. Disliking the original Gunmetal Grey, Garroway painted the car in an off-white, how it presents today.

During his racing career and eager to gain the competitive edge against his competition, Garroway fitted the original 3.5L engine with a Rootes Blower. However in 1951 whilst at the old Studebaker Test Track in South Bend, "the old boy just collapsed" and the original 3.5 Litre engine was retired. Using his influence and four months of steady persuasion, Garroway managed to get the very first XK 120 M engine (sold separately by Jaguar) sent to him from England. With precise measurements, a bespoke radiator and a smaller battery being fitted, the new engine was installed. Further modifications to the engine included 2" valves, specially developed racing camshafts, twin 2" H8 SU carburettors and special ported and polished manifolds, allowing him to reach a staggering top speed of 118mph!

In 1954, before protective laws, Garroway purchased six full alligator skins and expertly trimmed the seats himself. He later went on to cover the dashboard as well as the steering wheel with the hide left over from the seats.

Jaguar collector Steve Sim Roberts later purchased the car in July 1978. During this fastidious 29 year ownership period, Steve worked exhaustingly on collecting pieces of this very special cars history, and subsequently the car is accompanied by the most in depth history file DK are yet to see for a car. Both during and before Steve's ownership, it has become the most featured SS100 of all time having been subject of over seventy magazine articles.

In October 2007 the car was purchased and exported to the United Kingdom. Upon arrival It was added to one of the most extensive collections of Jaguar in the UK.

In 2010 the car was purchased by its most recent owner and placed into DK's care. During this time the car has been used sparingly, and when not being used has been stored in its state of the art, air conditioned facility amongst the owners collection. Upon its purchase, DK Engineering carried out a no expense spared re-commissioning, whilst retaining its charming character, costing over £40,000 to ensure that it drove superbly.

Work completed since its time with DK has consists of:
• Full UK registration, reinstating the original registration number.
• Remove and rebuild Engine
• Convert cylinder head to run on un-leaded fuel
• Overhaul carburettors
• Overhaul Gearbox
• Overhaul Rear Axle
• Replace clutch assembly
• Overhaul Steering
• Overhaul brakes and hubs
• Overhaul Exhaust System
• Remove and overhaul fuel tank
• Modernise lighting system + wiring

Today, having completed limited mileage since the aforementioned re-commissioning, this SS100 presents in superb condition and comes accompanied by the most extensive history file DK have experienced including over 70 magazine articles, Colorado Title, and Jaguar Certificate of Conformity. In addition, a correct type 3.5 Litre spare engine is included in the sale. This sale represents a truly extraordinary opportunity to own the most featured SS100 of all time. Cars with a remarkable history such as this, do not come around very often and DK Engineering are delighted to be able to offer this iconic motorcar for sale.

Please note, this vehicle is no longer for sale.