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, Lancashire, 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-horsepower 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 coupe developed a devoted following. That year the company was re-named S.S. Cars Ltd.

The Jaguar name, the choice of Lyons himself, who split with Walmsley in 1934, was first used on a handsome sports saloon introduced at the autumn 1935 Olympia Motor Show. This car had a 2,663-cubic centimeter overhead-valve version of the Standard engine, somewhat redesigned by Harry Weslake and William Heynes. Good for 90 mph, it was christened SS90 and was a relative bargain at £385.

The greater fame, however, was accrued by the short-chassis SS 100 Jaguar Roadster. The wheelbase was shortened to 104 inches, and as the name implies, 100 mph was on its horizon, particularly after the engine was enlarged to 3,485 cubic centimeters. With twin SU carburetors, it made 125 brake horsepower, and the four-speed gearbox had synchromesh on the top three gears. At 2,600 pounds, it had plenty of energy, and many owners chose to compete in them.

One of the most aesthetically pleasing cars of its time, the SS 100 is also among the rarest, with 198 of the 2½-Litre examples built and just 116 of the 3½-Litre model. From the beginning, they were exclusive, a characteristic that has only increased with age. Among the prominent personalities who have owned them are the late Alan Clark, British Member of Parliament, and Dave Garroway, founding host and anchor of NBC television’s long-running Today show.

Purchased as a barn-find by the current owner, this striking SS 100 Roadster has been the subject of a meticulous frame-up restoration. According to its Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, it was delivered new by Henly’s Ltd. to a Mr. M.C. Hughes on June 10, 1937. It was later sold to renowned classic car collector Homer Tsakis, of New York. Poor health forced Tsakis to sell his collection, and the SS 100 was acquired by Joseph Cresci, of New Hampshire, in 1969. Cresci planned to restore it but forewent the project before much was accomplished. The restoration did not begin in earnest until the current owner acquired it, partially dismantled but essentially complete, in 2001.

What transpired in the intervening 14 years was a complete, meticulous, frame-off restoration. This attention to detail and authenticity was not wasted. Historical records, including photographs, factory records, service manuals, and archive material, were carefully studied and recorded. To restore it to its former elegance, every car part had to be reconditioned, restored, or replaced. Craftsmen from as far away as South Africa were commissioned to manufacture parts that could not be located.

The Jaguar was finished in its original maroon color, as documented in the Heritage Certificate. The interior color, however, was not specified, so a warm Biscuit leather was chosen to dramatically enhance the look of the completed car. Outside, the car is stunning. Everything about it conveys the restoration’s commitment to authenticity, quality, and beauty. The body is outstanding, with superb fit and gaps. The car’s interior, paint, chrome, glass, and lamps are equally magnificent. The engine compartment is also stunning, being beautifully detailed and correct. The original engine build was by Leo Goff, world-renowned builder of special engines.

This beautiful Jaguar is offered with a substantial history file and artifacts, including the JDHT Certificate, copies of titles from previous owners, a scrapbook of photographs documenting the meticulous body-off restoration, a copy of the SS 100 Register identifying known SS 100 owners, assorted literature pertaining to this model, and hand-made side curtains.

In 2012, the British Car Club of Memphis awarded the car Best of Show. More enhancements to the car followed, and the restoration was completed in May 2014. At the 2014 British Car National Meet in Hot Springs, Arkansas, marques with distinguished pedigrees from all over the United States and Canada gathered to determine which prestigious car would receive the highest accolade. Ultimately, this stunning SS 100 was bestowed The Crown Jewel Award.

This is an exciting and thrilling Jaguar ancestor, restored to the highest standard.