• One of the earliest surviving SS1 Coupés
• Retaining original matching chassis, engine and body numbers
• An older restoration (bills and photographs available)

Forerunner of the 'Jaguar' marque from SS Cars Ltd of Coventry, the SS1 predated yet epitomised the later advertising slogan, 'Grace, Space, Pace'. SS boss William Lyons' design for the body was startling: the 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 sidevalve engines uprated 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 respectively, while the body - now available in four different configurations - underwent yet another restyle. In this, its final form, the SS1 remained in production until 1936.

Chassis '135724' is among the earliest SS1 Coupés and is accompanied by a JDHT Certificate confirming it was built on 8th October 1932 and finished in black with red trim. The SS1 was delivered new through Henlys of London and registered as 'ALG 473'. Although catalogued today as a 2½-Litre, the accompanying history file indicates that the car has long been associated with the 3½-litre Standard engine.

The most impressive history file contains decades worth of invoices and maintenance records together with an extensive restoration archive documenting virtually every stage of the car's comprehensive rebuild during the late 1990s. Hundreds of restoration photographs illustrate the painstaking reconstruction of the body's ash framework, engine, interior, chassis and mechanical components. The level of photographic documentation is exceptional, providing an insight into the quality of the work. Accompanying invoices indicate substantial investment in the restoration. The restoration file also contains articles published in Jaguar Enthusiast magazine detailing the restoration and sympathetic preservation of the car's originality. Additional documents include the following:

• Original registration history
• German registration documents
• Old UK tax discs
• MoT documentation
• Extensive restoration invoices dating from the late 1990s
• Period correspondence relating to the restoration

Today, this car represents an increasingly rare opportunity to acquire one of the earliest surviving creations of William Lyons. As the direct ancestor of every Jaguar that followed, the SS1 represents an important landmark in British automotive history and a cornerstone of William Lyons' legacy. With its matching numbers and comprehensively documented restoration, this elegant Coupé offers exceptional provenance and collector appeal.

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.