2,143cc Side-Valve Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
53bhp
Single Carburetor
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Semi-Elliptic Leaf Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*One of only 2,503 built
*Rare survivor of an early SS model
*Restored in the UK
*Previously used on UK Flying Scotsman Rally

SS CARS AND JAGUAR

Forerunner of the 'Jaguar' marque, the SS1 predated yet epitomized the former's advertising slogan, 'Grace, Space, Pace.' 'SS' originally stood for the Swallow Sidecar & Coachbuilding Company, which had been founded in Blackpool, England by William Walmsley in 1922. The 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 business partner, William Lyons, whose future Jaguar creations would confirm his reputation as one of the British motor industry's most gifted stylists. Relocation to Coventry followed and the Swallow range expanded to include models on Morris Cowley, Wolseley Hornet, and Standard Sixteen chassis.

Marque status arrived in October 1931 with the launch of the SS1, a close-coupled coupé. Based on that of the Standard Ensign 16hp, the SS1's low, under-slung chassis was designed by Lyons and supplied exclusively to Swallow by John Black's Standard Motor Company, which also provided the 2.1/2.6-liter six-cylinder side-valve engine and four-speed gearbox. Lyons' design for the body was startling: the SS1's excessively long bonnet, tiny passenger compartment and helmet-type front wings suggesting that it represented the ultimate in high performance. In so doing, the SS1 went some way towards establishing the pattern for future Jaguars, combining sporting good looks with a better-than-average specification and all at a bargain price. Indeed, so successful was Lyons' new venture that production of Swallow-bodied cars ceased altogether in 1933 and SS Cars Limited was formed, initially as a subsidiary of the Swallow sidecar-building business.

The SS1 body was revised for 1933 and the engines up-rated with alloy cylinder heads and improved manifolding, advances that raised the top speed to 75mph. For 1934 the SS1 gained a new wide-track chassis and slightly enlarged Standard engines of 2,143cc and 2,663cc, while the body - now available in four different configurations - underwent yet another re-style. In this, its final form, the SS1 remained in production until 1936, by which time 2,503 examples of this ultimate version had been made.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The rakish SS1 Coupe here is understood to have spent much of its life in the UK, where in latter years it had been treated to cosmetic refurbishment. Its paintwork has been refinished in cream, and contrasts with a rich red leather interior with the correct Lyons styling cues of 'starburst' door panels, divided rear seats and simple elegant instrumentation. The upholstery appears to be a blend of some new, with possibly original rear.

Some time after the work was completed in passed into previous ownership and was used by that collector on the Flying Scotsman Rally, one of the renowned series of events established by the late Philip Young under his Endurance Rally Association banner. Billed as 'adventures', the 'Scotsman' pitches a tour around the country in oft times bleak April weather, making for a true challenge.

In more recent times the car arrived in the US, where it is imagined that it must be something of a considerable rarity. Unshown as yet, it would certainly make an interesting statement at any Jaguar Cars North America event, or indeed concours, where its avant garde and detailed styling would surely garner attention.