• Formerly owned by Air Commodore Bryan Nicholas, CBE
• Overhead-valve engine
• An older restoration
• Well maintained
• Present ownership since 2013

In 1936 the new Weslake-developed overhead-valve 2,663cc power unit appeared in two new models offered by William Lyons' SS Cars Ltd: the 2½-Litre saloon and SS100 sports car. The introduction of the OHV engine was considered to justify the adoption of a new name for the series, 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 by then acquired a somewhat tarnished reputation). With 104bhp on tap from the twin-carburettor 'six', the newcomers' performance at last matched the style that had already become a company hallmark. And like all Jaguars since, the duo offered better-than-average specification at a bargain price.

An excellent example of this fabulous pre-war sports saloon, 'RC 4599' was first owned by one Benjamin Kieling and next (from 1941) by Air Commodore Bryan Nicholas, CBE, who had raced and rallied works-supported MGs in the 1930s. The SS was in constant use throughout WW2 when Air Commodore Nicholas was serving with Bomber Command, and in the early 1980s was restored for him by marque specialists Leaping Cats. Following its completion in 1983, the car was driven by Leaping Cats' proprietor, Graig Hinton, in that year's 'Great American Race' from California to Indiana, but was forced to retire after suffering a coolant leak (magazine article and press release on file). The original engine was replaced after the event.

Given by Air Commodore Nicholas to his son Rory, a Hong Kong resident, the SS continued to be maintained in the UK by the Nicholas family. Further refurbishment was carried out in 1992/1993 and again in 2004.

In 2013 the current owner bought the car when it was offered for sale by Bonhams. They have kept the car well maintained, as evidenced by various invoices for maintenance work. It comes with it's German Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil 1 & 2. It still has the UK historic license plates and V5 document.

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Car Department.