1937 Jaguar SS 100 2 1/2-Liter Roadster

Once favored by impecunious young Spitfire pilots and cads about town, the SS 100 is now a blue chip collectible with price to match

by Simon Kidston

Founded in Blackpool by William Walmsley, the Swallow Sidecar & Coachbuilding Company branched out into motor manufacture in 1926, its first major success being an attractive sports saloon on the Austin Seven chassis. The design was the work of Walmsley’s partner, William Lyons.

Ten years later, in 1936, the SS 100 Jaguar sports car was launched and marked the company’s first use of the “Jaguar” name. Around 190 2 1/2-Liter and 118 of the 3 1/2-Liter cars had been made by the time SS 100 production ceased at the outbreak of war.

A superb and fully restored 2 1/2-Liter example, chassis number 18054 is listed in the SS 100 Registry and known to the Classic Jaguar Association. Its history file is truly extensive and includes period pictures, correspondence between various owners, renovation photographs, original buff logbook, numerous bills, expired MoT safety inspections, etc.

The original owner was Colonel Gray-Cheape in the U.K. The car...