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1936 S.S. Jaguar 100 2½ Litre

1936 S.S. Jaguar 100 2½ Litre

1936 S.S. Jaguar 100 2½ Litre

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 race car in an attractive body reminiscent of Jaguar’s first tourers. This model was also the first to carry the Jaguar nameplate.

With 125 bhp from a 3.5-litre Inline-6, the car’s performance credentials helped launch the company onto the international scene. Name for the car came from its theoretical top speed of 100 mph, although 95 was the norm.

The very first SS100s were powered by a 2664cc version of the Standard Six. Bill Heynes and Harry Weslake modified this unit to 3486cc by increasing both the bore and stroke. Only 118 cars came from the factory with this more-potent unit.

In Detail

submitted by Richard Owen
type Series Production Car
built at Coventry , England
engine Standard Inline-6
position Front Longitudinal
aspiration Natural
valvetrain Pushrod OHV, 2 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed Twin SU Carburetors
displacement 2664 cc / 162.57 in³
compression 7.2:1
power 76.1 kw / 102 bhp
specific output 38.29 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 87.33 bhp per tonne
body / frame Steel Body over Steel Frame
driven wheels RWD
wheel type Dunlop Splined Center Lock
front tires 5.25×18 Dunlop
rear tires 5.25×18 Dunlop
front brakes Girling Drums
rear brakes Girling Drums
front wheels F 45.7 x 12.7 cm / 18 x 5 in
rear wheels R 45.7 x 12.7 cm / 18 x 5 in
steering Burman & Douglas Worm & Nut
f suspension Rigid Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs, Luvax Dampers
r suspension Live Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs, Luvax Dampers
curb weight 1168 kg / 2575 lbs
wheelbase 2590.8 mm / 102 in
front track 1371.6 mm / 54 in
rear track 1371.6 mm / 54 in
length 3886.2 mm / 153 in
width 1574.8 mm / 62 in
transmission 4-Speed Manual
top speed ~151.3 kph / 94 mph
0 – 60 mph ~12 seconds