2021 Suffolk Jaguar SS100

Among the first of William Lyons' creations to utilise the Jaguar name, the SS Jaguar 100 entered pre-production in October 1935. Dynamically honed by chief engineer William Heynes and marketed as being “primarily intended for competition work and sufficiently tractable as a fast tourer without modification”, the first Jaguar sports car enjoyed a successful racing/rallying career and is now extremely sought after by collectors. Only 314 were built with 49 of these exported, and consequently, genuine cars now achieve considerable sums, so it is no surprise that such an iconic design would be imitated using more modern mechanicals.

Woodbridge-based Suffolk Sportscars were a small production, special vehicle manufacturer dedicated to engineering visually accurate reproductions of the legendary Jaguar SS100 and had been building these lovely cars for over 20 years up until their demise in 2020. They are fully recognised and accepted by Jaguar car clubs around the world, a testimony to the quality achieved by their highly skilled workforce. Their Suffolk SS100 could be ordered from the factory in kit form or specific bespoke builds commissioned and assembled by the works. Built on a MIG-welded ladder-frame chassis, the GRP body was created from a mould taken from an original 1938 SS100. The bonnet is aluminium replicating the original, with all-correct 200 louvres. A large number of parts are indeed identical to the original and will actually fit original cars as all parts are either new or reconditioned. Running gear was normally based on the XJ-6 using the 4.2-litre straight-six and, commonly, the 4-speed Jaguar 'short compact' gearbox.

These cars seem to generate considerable ‘pride of ownership’ and you very seldom see a ‘tatty’ one, however the quality of the lovely example on offer here is simply exceptional. The car’s build was originally commenced at the Suffolk works, however during its assembly, the company ran into financial problems and work ceased. Naturally, this was a difficult period for all concerned but, happily, the matter was resolved and the car was completed by two of Suffolk’s long-term stalwarts, Director, Roger Williams, and Senior Engineer, Marcus Jones, to a very high standard as can be seen from our images. NOE 412P was finally registered in 2021 with, we understand, a total investment of c.£115,000 at that point. It’s superbly finished in a deep Indigo Blue with a classically presented Burgundy leather interior and matching Wilton carpets. The dashboard is painted body colour, dotted with white-faced Smiths instruments with ‘SS’ logos and the odometer currently indicates just twelve miles. The four-spoke, wood-rim steering wheel is a bespoke item by Moto-Lita and ‘SS’ details abound. The car is powered by a 4.2-litre XK unit fed by two SUs and mated to a 4-speed Jaguar gearbox with overdrive. Externally, the attention to detail is impressive and the car sits on new chrome wires wearing a new set of period appropriate Blockleys. Absolutely delightful.

The car is supplied with a folder full of paperwork including the original build sheets and email correspondence during its construction, two keys, full weather equipment and a bespoke Classic Additions indoor car cover displaying the SS logo.

Very importantly, NOE 412P is completely road-legal, fully IVA tested and correctly registered with a donor age-related plate (1975). A number of Suffolk SS100s were registered as Jaguars based on their donor cars but problems arose when they were offered for sale with the DVLA withdrawing the V5 until they had been through an IVA Test. Suffolk Classic Services recently formed to ensure continued availability of SS100 parts, charge £7,000 to prepare and submit a car for IVA testing. Not a small amount, but in the case of our car, it’s fully compliant.

This is a great opportunity to own a ‘pre-war classic’ that offers spirited ‘B’ road adventures, yet is totally comfortable in modern traffic. Pretty as a picture, on the button and ready to enjoy the Summer.