1938 Jaguar SS100

1938 Jaguar SS100 Specification – by Jim Marland, using Original Components and Exacting Details. 

A one-off SS100 recreation by Jim Marland, built from original 2.5ltr components and incorporating authentic SS100 bodywork with recent comprehensive attentions from William Haynes Ltd. This car delivers a genuine period driving experience.

• Built from a 1938 2.5ltr donor, including chassis, engine, axles, steering, and brakes.
• Original SS100 components: radiator shell, bonnet, wings, fuel tank, headlamps, tail lamps, and steering wheel.
• Engine L1177E fully rebuilt; further works by William Haynes Ltd in 2025 include cylinder-head, carburettor, distributor, suspension, and brakes.
• Gunmetal Grey coachwork; leather interior and carpets matched to original; complete weather equipment supplied.
• Modern usability: flashing indicators and negative-earth socket added; original dashboard and cigar lighter retained.
• Returned to the road in 2015; 2,000 miles mainly on tours of Wales and the North West.

An Exceptional Car.

Since our company’s inception, we have represented a number of exacting replica and continuation cars. The market for high-quality recreations exists for a simple reason: while original, historically significant cars remain the ultimate benchmark, not everyone can obtain—or justify—the cost of one.

When presented honestly, a well-executed recreation offers all the aesthetic appeal, driving character, and enjoyment of the original, without misleading anyone about its provenance. Over time, such a car can build its own story, taking part in events, tours, and club gatherings, and creating memories that are entirely its own.

As one amongst many cars which can claim such a origin, HPC 939 stands alone. The precision, detail and passion which drove this car through to its current presentation have produced a truly exceptional recreation, faithful to the original, and highly desirable as a result. 

Jim Marland’s Vision

During the heyday of C- and D-Type Jaguar recreations, firms such as Lynx, Wingfield, and Proteus set the benchmark. Proteus, founded and run by Jim Marland in Bolton, became synonymous with quality, craftsmanship, and engineering accuracy.

Across a 25-year career, Marland’s team produced around 240 C- and D-Type recreations, yet never an SS100. Upon retirement, he pursued a long-held ambition: to build the finest SS100 specification car possible from original components

Components

Registered in Surrey on 1 December 1938 as HPC 939, this SS100 specification began life as a 2.5ltr saloon. Marland used the chassis, engine, axles, steering, and brakes, ensuring mechanical coherence.

The opportunity arose to acquire an original SS100 body, once adorning a factory car but far gone, requiring complete rebuild. The ash frame was disassembled, strengthened selectively, and largely preserved.

Aluminium panels were repaired and refitted, with sill sections replaced.

A remarkable suite of original SS100 components was incorporated, including radiator shell, stone guard, bonnet, four wings, fuel tank, headlamps, ‘owl’s eye’ tail lamps, instruments, and correct steering wheel with horn push.

Performance, Usability, and Presentation

The original engine, L1177E, was fully rebuilt, with further investment by Jaguar specialist William Haynes Ltd including cylinder-head rebuild, E5 fuel conversion, factory correct carburettor and distributor refurbishment, suspension and brake work, upper steering column refurbishment, and bonnet repaint. 

Finished in Gunmetal Grey with leather interior and carpets matched to original materials, the car comes with complete weather equipment. 

Since returning to the road in 2015 it has covered just over 2,000 miles, mainly on tours of Wales and the North West. With recent works completed, the car underwent road testing, and William confirms that it remains comfortable, reliable, and genuinely enjoyable to drive.

Contact Tom today to view HPC 939 and explore ownership.