Vehicle Description
Before Jaguar was called Jaguar, the company founded by William
Walmsley and William Lyons had several changes of identity. Lyons
and Walmsley founded Swallow Sidecar Company in 1922 to produce
high quality and distinctly stylish motorcycle sidecars. Much of
the creative energy came from Lyons, whose keen sense of style
helped drive Swallow Sidecar forward. Soon, customers wanted more,
and Swallow moved into the coachbuilding business, creating
gorgeous bodies for the vastly popular Austin 7, as well as larger
cars like the Wolseley Hornet. By the mid-1930s, SS Cars, Ltd was a
full-fledged marque, producing stylish, high-performance saloons
and tourers. By 1935, Walmsley departed the company, and the Jaguar
name first appeared as a model designation for a four-door sports
saloon with a 2,663 cc engine supplied by Standard and modified to
produce 104 horsepower. The engine modifications by Harry Weslake
and William Heynes resulted in 100-mph performance and galvanized
the company's sporting reputation. When naming SS's most recent and
most potent creation, William Lyons stated, "I immediately pounced
on Jaguar as it had an exciting sound to me." By 1943, the company
made one final transition, officially dropping the SS moniker in
favor of Jaguar, since "SS" now had a particularly negative
connotation in the aftermath of World War II. Living up to its
evocative name, the SS Jaguar was a thrill to drive. Sporting a
powerful, twin-carbureted, 2,663 cc 6-cylinder engine fitted in an
agile 120-inch chassis, the SS Jaguar was a superb driver's car. In
1937, SS Cars introduced a companion to the roadster and saloon.
The Drophead Coupe combined the best of its siblings with luxurious
trimmings and a 3-position convertible top, blending the enjoyment
of an open roadster and the elegance and comfort of the saloon. We
are pleased to present this superb SS Jaguar 2 � Litre Drophead,
one of 20 known survivors from a total production of approximately
270 cars. This gorgeous prewar SS has the distinction of Full
Classic status with the Classic Car Club of America, making it
eligible for some of the most prestigious and most enjoyable
classic car events in the country. According to the Jaguar heritage
certificate, chassis 46037 was completed in June 1938, destined for
the home market. It was sold through dealer Glovers of Ripon in
Yorkshire to a Mrs. A. Sidi, although little else of the early
history is documented. The recent history picks up in 2001, when a
Jaguar enthusiast, collector, and restorer acquired the car and
proceeded to treat it to a ground-up, nut-and-bolt restoration. The
project spanned several years, between 2001 and 2005, with
detailing, service, and concours prep work continuing through
today. The owner selected a striking color combination of two-tone
black with French gray side panels and wheels, accented by a
gorgeous dark red leather interior. A large binder includes photos
and receipts from the restoration, as well as an impressive stack
of JCNA Concours judging sheets, spanning at least ten years. Since
the restoration, it traded hands once, and the most recent owner
continued to cherish and enjoy the car to the fullest. This SS
Jaguar appeared at numerous concours and club events around the
country in the past ten years. Highlights include appearances at
the 2010 Amelia Island Concours, Milwaukee Masterpiece in 2010 and
2013, Santa Fe Concourso in 2011, Cars on Kiawah 2017 (People's
Choice and 1st in Class), and the 2018 Hilton Head Concours where
it earned a Palmetto Award. In JCNA concours competition, the car
scored consistent high 99-point finishes, with multiple 100-point
scores, including one at the 2015 Challenge Championship, where it
earned Best in Class. Through regular care and maintenance, the
previous owners have ensured this SS Drophead remains in superb
condition. The restoration still looks remarkably fresh, with only
a few indications of use visible on the engine and undercarriage.
Paint and brightwork quality is excellent, and the car is equally
suited for show or touring. Details include beautiful chrome Lucas
P100 headlamps, twin Lucas horns, and painted wire wheels shod with
whitewall Firestone tires. Red leather upholstery adds a pop of
color and completes the striking presentation. As with the
exterior, the soft trim is superb and faithful to factory
specifications. The woodwork is also finished to a high standard,
along with the original instruments and controls. This car features
the full complement of original tools, arranged correctly in the
green-flocked compartment built-in to the boot lid. The Heritage
Certificate verifies the 2 � -litre engine as the original unit,
and it is tidy and presented with correct finishes and fittings.
The chassis is also well detailed, and shows signs of light use
since the restoration, but remains in excellent order. Equally at
home on the show field as it is on long drives through the
countryside, this versatile and elegant motorcar offers both
performance and style in abundance.The opportunity to acquire a
prewar SS Jaguar does not present itself often, and this lovely
example is one of the best of the breed. Offers welcome and trades
considered For additional details please view this listing directly
on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6653-1938-jaguar-ss-2-1-2-litre-drophead-coupe/
