1937 Jaguar SS100 Replica In 1936 they produced the first SS100 Jaguar, its name relating to the fact it was a 100 mile per hour sports car produced by the Swallow Sidecar Company. Its 6-cylinder, 3.5-litre engine capable of over 125 horsepower was a winner and its chassis clothed in a beautiful swept winged body which remains a classic to this day, is often reproduced by British replicators. The 8' 8 wheelbase assured maneuverability with both speed and reliability. Only 116 of the 3.5 liter models were made. A team of works cars was successful in a variety of national and international events such as the Alpine Trials, the Monte Carlo Rally and the RAC Rally (the premier rally event in Britain) during which they took the Manufacturers Team Prize. In addition, a stock car could accelerate from the standing start to 60 miles an hour in 10.5 seconds. This car established Jaguar as a true sports car manufacturer, capable of winning all kinds of road races. Sadly, the production of the SS 100 ceased, because of the war. However, Jaguar's direction had been set and soon after the war the great XK 100/XK 120 cars soon evolved for sportsmen and the C-Type, a further evolution, was available for the true racing competitor. For consignment a replica of the 1937 Jaguar SS100. Deemed one of the most beautiful designs of the mid 1930's the originals go for a very high dollar amount, so enter the repli-car. Built by Classic Roadsters, Inc. the 'Duke' is an approximation in fiberglass of Sir William Lyons' pre-war roadster. The Duke designation is in light of the company's Dutchess MGTF replica. This classically designed automobile definitely turns heads wherever it goes. Exterior As replicas go, this one definitely has some quality built in and is amazingly very much like the original much more expensive versions of the SS100's of the day. Fiberglass bathed in maroon paint the car comes with a hardtop, and convertible top for year round driving. Side panels are also available to totally enclose the passenger cabin if needed. A long cowled hood is fronted by an elegant radiator surround and flanked on either side by large but stunning head lighting, also present in chrome. Black fiberglass fenders which emulate hours of English wheel time, now painted black, are to either side of the faux cowled hood. These run rearward and gracefully drop to create a running board which has low front opening "suicide" doors directly above. On back the running boards flow into the rear curved fender, and more English wheel action, framing the boxy rear trunk which doubles as the fuel tank of this car. Paint on this car shows a few "spider spots" some cracking and a few scratches but retains its shine overall. A black canvas convertible top is in nice shape and moves up and down with ease when you want to have some open air feel. The hardtop has a few scratches and shiny lighted Landau bars mounted to the B pillars. 15-inch chromed wire wheels present on all 4 corners as well as a passenger front fender mounted spare with the same chromed wire wheel. Dual horns lead the way upfront, and an all low slung feel to this replica classic. The "leaper" hood ornament is atop the radiator. Interior Tan leather abounds inside on the door panels, and seats which include 2 simple bomber styled tuck and roll tan leather buckets. Black carpeting floods the floors, and the rear stowage compartment. Upfront a wonderfully dual curved walnut dash houses the instruments and knob and pull controls, with some warning lights on top. A rally drilled style wood rimmed steering wheel fronts this dash and is in perfect reach of the driver. Built into the bottom of the dash is a neatly paced Optimus aftermarket digital AM/FM/Cassette player tuner. On top of this dash is one of those nifty center mounted rear view mirrors which is definitely decidedly British. Drivetrain Under the hood is a modern 2.8 Liter V6 with a simple 2-barrel carburetor atop. A 3-speed automatic is behind this peppy mill, and power gets pushed to a Jaguar style rear end. This menagerie of power is all packed into a tight V shaped engine bay which is well kept and neatly wired. Undercarriage Steel tubular framing and steel floorpans support this car and do so very well with no rust and just some fine patina of age. The front of this sports car is courtesy a Mustang II front suspension, and the rear is double coil overs, which makes for a fun drive when taking turns too fast! (pull the handbrake!!). Disc brakes are all around with the rear brakes being inboard next to the pumpkin. Stainless steel mufflers are a real plus as well. Drive-Ability This car is great to go out for a cruise and if you desire throw it through some corners and around sharp curves, and it can definitely handle it. Surprising power, great handling, and snappy acceleration, all functions were working at the time of my drive. The hardtop is a plus, along with the side curtains to keep the temp decent inside during a British winter. The only thing I see not decidedly Jag is the Mustang shift lever on the hump! OOPS!! In keeping with the Jaguar tradition, a nice performer and definitely a fun low mileage driver. Decent paint with a few faults over fiberglass attached to square steel structure, and a V6 engine shoehorned under the bonnet, and I'm ready for some leather seat time and the activity of pushing the accelerator to the floor and enjoying the next upcoming curve with little or no regard as to my ultimate safety! Hey it's a Jaguar, well sort of, but definitely an "A" ticket ride, and you will not be out of pocket for 7 figures. Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
|