Jaguar SS100 Replica
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The Jaguar company was founded in England by William Lyons and interestingly the first product they produced was not a car but a side car for motorbikes. This was named the Swallow Sidecar.
When they produced their first cars in the 1930’s they were called the SS or the SS100. These cars originally used the side valve engines from the Standard Company. Whether the term “SS” stood for Swallow Sidecar or Standard Sports has never been established (as far as we know) but whatever the letters “SS” stood for, the SS and SS100 Jaguar range soon became very well known.
The saloons and drophead coupe were first introduced to the market in 1936 – in the same year the company also introduced the SS100 two seater sports car model. This 2 seater sports was a hugely exciting car for the time and developed a great reputation – it was also very cost competitive.
Originally the SS100 had a 2.7 litre engine which developed 102 bhp with a top speed of 95mph but in 1938 the SS100 was equipped with a 3.5litre engine – this gave 125bhp with a top speed of just over the magic 100mph mark. Production figures show that 198 of the 2.5 litre models and 116 of the 3.5 litre version were produced.
The car you will drive is a replica of the 1937 version and was first registered in the year 2000. It has an inline 6 cylinder ohc Nissan engine and a manual 5 speed Nissan gearbox. Suspension, brakes (front are disc and rear are drum) and steering are all Holden. Originally 0-60mph was achieved by the SS100 in 16 seconds according to figures we have located and this replica has a very similar performance.
In terms of how it drives, we feel it will give you a great touring experience. With its long bonnet and dramatic chrome headlamps and radiator grille plus its wonderfully flowing classic lines it looks superb. In our experience this car always attracts a lot of admiring glances.
Enjoy the experience of classic motoring with this fine replica of the Jaguar SS100.
