104 bhp, 2,663 inline six-cylinder engine, four-speed manual gearbox, solid front axle and live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 120"

- Iconic pre-war Jaguar sports saloon

- Owned by Czech film star Oldřich Nový

- Comprehensive restoration

The mighty Jaguar had its start as a simple swallow – such are the ironic annals of motoring history. William Lyons and William Walmsley began manufacturing motorcycle sidecars in Blackpool in 1922. By 1927, their Swallow Coachbuilding Company was turning out attractive little bodies on Austin, Morris, Fiat and Standard chassis. After a move to Coventry, they came out with the first of several generations of “SS” cars (for Swallow Sidecar), the SS1 of 1931. Based on the 16-hp Standard, it had an underslung chassis, a long bonnet and streamlined coachwork. A companion model, the SS2, was based on the Standard 9. Saloons, dropheads and tourers were offered by 1934, and a particularly attractive “Airline” fastback coupé developed a devoted following.

The Jaguar name was first used in 1936 on the handsome sports saloon. This car had a 2,663-cc overhead valve version of the Standard engine, somewhat redesigned by Harry Weslake and William Heynes. Good for 90 mph, it was a relative bargain at £385. The greater fame, however, accrued to the short-chassis SS100 Jaguar two-seater.

This stunning example of the first of the iconic pre-war SS Jaguar sports saloons was reportedly owned new by Oldřich Nový (1894-1983), the famed Czechoslovakian actor who starred in more than 40 films between 1922 and 1971. Considered to be one of the greatest Czech film actors, he clearly had an eye for stylish motor cars. This elegant SS Jaguar is finished in red coachwork with tan interior and was the subject of a restoration circa 2005. It is in fine condition today. The combination of its eye-catching red coachwork, chrome wire wheels and whitewall tyres will surely make this car a popular sight at any event.