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The quintessential pre-war British sports car is the 1936 S.S. Jaguar 100 also known simply as the SS100. These diminutive roadsters have all the hallmarks of a competitive racecar as well as an attractive body built at a high level of craftsmanship. It was also one of the first models to carry the Jaguar nameplate.

When the 3½ Litre first came onto the market, Jaguar was no newcomer to the industry. They had built a series of Tourers based on parts from the Standard Motor Company's bin. This included the 2½ Litre 100 which was named after it's theoretical top speed of 100 mph. It didn't always break the 100 mph barrier, so that's was a job for the new 3½ engine.

At Jaguar, the decision was taken to have Bill Heynes and Harry Weslake redesign the Standard Six into a capable 125 bhp unit. They increased both the bore and stroke from 2663.7cc to 3485cc. The effect was a drastic boost in performance which trumped the 2½ on almost every level. Additionally a new transmission, driveshaft, and differential were also fitted.

The high level of specification included Lucas de Luxe large diameter headlights, 15-inch Dunlop Splined Center Lock wheels and rod-operated drum brakes by Girling that could be operated either with the pedal or hand brake. Jaguar described the body as a “rigid le Mans 2-seater” which had a some room behind the front seats for luggage.

The competitive nature of car naturally meant it was seen occasionally with racing numbers at circuits like Brooklands, the Shelsley Walsh and many international rally courses.

At £445, around 115 of the 3½ Litre "100" were produced. These are the most sought after of all prewar Jaguars.

Chassis & Sales

1937 Jaguar SS100 3½ Litre 39002 - sold for $1,045,000 This is a car that has won numerous awards with names such as “Champion’s Champion” and simply must be viewed in person to fully appreciate its splendor. It is, without a doubt, one of the greatest restoration efforts ever lavished on an automobile. It would be easy to spend hours discovering new and fascinating details, each carefully researched and executed to create this truly beautiful and impeccable machine. This magnificent Jaguar wil... more
Gallery: 2010 Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auction

1938 Jaguar SS100 3½ Litre 39048 - sold for $368,500 This beautiful Jaguar is offered with a substantial history file that includes copies of titles from the previous owners, handwritten service records, copies of the SS100 Registers, various Classic Jaguar Association newsletters and various news clippings and literature relating to SS100s. Genuine 3.5-litre SS100s are becoming an increasingly scarce sight and are widely acknowledged as being one of the most beautiful sports cars ever produc... more
Gallery: 2010 Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auction

1938 Jaguar SS100 3½ Litre Roadster 39058 - sold for $242,000 A true “barn find” example, this SS100 Jaguar has been completely untouched since 1965 and was virtually unseen until the current owner took it to a British car show at Woodley Park in California a few months ago. Known to the SS100 registry since its inception in 1971, this car also comes complete with a Jaguar Heritage Certificate that indicates that it has a matching-numbers chassis and body with a correct 3.5-liter engine. Amazingly, a set... more
Gallery: RM Auctions' 2010 Sports & Classics of Monterey

1938 S.S. Jaguar 100 3½ Litre 39048 - sold for $687,500 One of only 118 3.5-Liter examples; rare matching-numbers engine. Well-known Midwest car since the 1960s; documented in SS100 Register. A recent concours-level restoration and a former CCCA and AACA award winner. Eligible for all the finest vintage concours, races, rallies and tours.
Gallery: 2011 Monterey Auction by RM

1938 S.S. Jaguar 100 3½ Litre Roadster 39032 - sold for €305,312 Gunmetal grey through much of its life, the SS 100 has been recently repainted a dark blue, and the interior appointments are fresh from the shop, highlighted by new red leather upholstery. The engine has been carefully maintained over the years and was freshened for the China foray. More recently, additional work has been done to maintain this beautiful Jaguar. This includes extensive electrical work, rebuilding of the gauges and speedometer,... more
Gallery: 2011 London Auction by RM

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