LOT 11

1935 SS1 2½-Litre Tourer Registration no. CXV 153 Chassis no. 249467

Sold for £59,800 inc. premium

Previous Lot

Next Lot

Lot 11

1935 SS1 2½-Litre Tourer
Registration no. CXV 153 Chassis no. 249467

Goodwood Members' Meeting|10 April 2022, 13:00 BST|Chichester, Goodwood

1935 SS1 2½-Litre Tourer
Registration no. CXV 153
Chassis no. 249467

• Present family ownership since the early 1970s
• An older restoration
• Only used in fine weather
• Well known in SS and Jaguar circles

Footnotes

Forerunner of the 'Jaguar' marque from SS Cars Ltd of Coventry, the SS1 predated yet epitomised the later advertising slogan, 'Grace, Space, Pace'. 'SS' originally stood for the Swallow Sidecar & Coachbuilding Company, which had been founded in Blackpool by William Walmsley in 1922. Marque status arrived in October 1931 with the launch of the SS1, a close-coupled coupé. Based on that of the Standard Ensign, the SS1's low, under-slung chassis was designed by Lyons and supplied exclusively to Swallow by the Standard Motor Company, which also provided the 2.1/2.6-litre six-cylinder sidevalve 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.

The SS1's styling was revised for 1933 and the engines up-rated with alloy cylinder heads and improved manifolds, raising 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 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.

This SS1 was purchased by the vendor's father in the early 1970s before undergoing a sympathetic restoration by Unisant (records and all receipts on file). The car has remained in the same family's possession for 50 years. Run only in fine weather, 'CXV 153' has attended many SS and Jaguar events over the years and is well known in the SS car community. We are advised that the car has always started 'on the button' after its winter hibernation and has been a reliable runner. It has been serviced regularly by marque specialist David Davenport and more recently by David Wall in Norfolk, with any issues addressed immediately.

The gearbox received a major service and new clutch in 2012, while more recently the mechanical fuel pump was replaced with a more reliable electric one (original available). The SS is only being sold because the owners' circumstances mean they cannot give the car the time it deserves.

Saleroom notices

Please note a new JDHT certificate has been acquired for this car, showing it was originally delivered via Henlys in black with green trim, and that the car appears to have had a replacement engine at some point in its life.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% + VAT of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Cars