1934 Swallow SS1 4-Seat Fixed Head Coupe

• Built by the Swallow Coachbuilding Company in Foleshill, Coventry
• This is an early model of the SS1 dating from 1934
• Powered by a 2.1-litre, standard straight-six side-valve producing 53bhp
• Delivered new to Buenos Aries, Argentina, in April 1934. Right-hand drive with a KPH speedo
• Purchased for the Danish Aalholm Automobile Museum where it resided until 2012
• Subsequently, it was cosmetically restored by the Key Museum to an incredible level
• It now looks fabulous in its distinctive two-tone black and white paintwork
• The interior with its Sunburst Art Deco styling cues is a work of art
• Now roadworthy and we understand the car starts and runs well

Forerunner of the 'Jaguar' marque, 'SS' originally stood for the Swallow Sidecar & Coachbuilding Company, which had been founded in Blackpool, England by William Walmsley in 1922. The company branched out into motor manufacture in 1926, its first major success being an attractive sports saloon on the Austin Seven chassis. The design was the work of Walmsley's business partner, William Lyons, whose future Jaguar creations would confirm his reputation as one of the British motor industry's most gifted stylists. The SS1, launched in 1932, is a close-coupled coupe based on the Standard Ensign 16hp. The chassis and body were designed by Lyons; a long bonnet, tiny passenger compartment and helmet-type front wings imply the ultimate in high performance of the time and this is what ultimately created a blueprint for Jaguars of the future, combining sporting good looks with a better-than-average specification. Indeed, so successful was Lyons' new venture that production of Swallow-bodied cars ceased altogether in 1933, and SS Cars Limited was formed, initially as a subsidiary of the Swallow sidecar-building business.

For 1934 the SS1 gained a new wide-track chassis and slightly enlarged Standard engines of 2,143cc and 2,663cc, while the body - now available in four different configurations - underwent yet another restyle. In this, its final form, the SS1 remained in production until 1936, by which time 2,503 examples of this ultimate version had been made.

This 2.1-litre model SS1 fixed-head Coupe, Chassis number 247848, is unique as records show that it was delivered new to Buenos Aries, Argentina, in April 1934. This is further confirmed by the car being a right-hand drive example with an original km speedo to suit its South American home. The car was eventually purchased for the Danish Aalholm Automobile Museum Collection where it resided before being sold in 2012. Subsequently, it was cosmetically restored by the Key Museum, giving it the distinctive two-tone paintwork and black leather interior that it proudly displays today. Some years later it was purchased by the current owner who repatriated it to the UK and went on to commission further mechanical restoration to bring the car from a museum piece to a roadworthy example and, as a result, the car starts and runs well, having been driven sparingly and dry stored undercover ever since.

The car has a NOVA number, and a UK V5 can be applied for with the new owners' details. It is well known that these cars left the factory without a fixed chassis plate, instead, a simple chassis tag was supplied with its factory handbook. As such, many examples have lost their original chassis tag and in turn also their true identity. Chassis no. 247848 however, whilst its original supplied tag is not present, has been subject to much research and scrutiny by marque experts meaning it is one of the few SS1 Coupes with a confirmed identity.

This little SS is an exceptional survivor, all the more surprising considering it has travelled the world. Early cars such as this are rare, highly desirable and do not come to market very often and one in this condition would fit comfortably into any collection of important automobiles.