1998 Jaguar SS100

The SS100 was the first real high-performance model produced by SS Cars Ltd and used a new Weslake developed overhead-valve engine in a shortened SS1 chassis. The introduction of the OHV unit was considered to justify the adoption of a new name for the series, SS Cars boss William Lyons later recalling, ‘I immediately pounced on Jaguar as it had an exciting sound to me’. ‘Jaguar’ would be adopted as the marque name in 1943,’SS’ having then taken on a more sinister connotation.

Although a fine touring car the SS100 was marketed primarily for competition work. Its first major success came early, if somewhat unexpectedly, when Tommy Wisdom, crewed by his wife, won the arduous Internationale Alpine Trial in 1936, beating Bugatti and bringing the fledgling marque to the attention of the Continental public. This would be the first of many successful racing forays, including class wins in the RAC events of 1937 and 1938.

Generally considered to be one of the most aesthetically pleasing Jaguar cars ever built, the SS100 is also one of the rarest with only 198 of the 2.5 litre and 116 of the 3.5 litre models being manufactured, most stayed in the UK.

With such an iconic marque as the Jaguar SS100 it was inevitable that companies would seek to produce recreations. The highest quality and best regarded of these recreations were offered by Suffolk Sports Cars, with close to 200 cars being built.

The Jaguar SS100 Evocation by Suffolk Sports Cars offered here at Autostorico is finished in Silver with leather interior. This exceptional example was commissioned in 1997 with the car being registered as a Suffolk Sports Car meaning that its totally road legal, unlike many other Suffolk’s which use the donor cars identity. Having covered an indicated 18,715 miles this proven SS100 has undertaken several European tours. Power comes from a Jaguar 3.4 litre straight six-cylinder XK engine with twin carburettors mated to a manual gearbox with overdrive. Built with great attention to detail including decorative rivets along the front wings, period handbrake, SS steering wheel and period dials. Other specification highlights include; luggage rack, wet weather gear, tonneau cover and concealed heater.

Offered for sale with a current V5 registration document and huge file containing invoices and other related history.