Among the most beautiful sports cars of the 1930s, the Jaguar SS100 was primarily marketed for competition usage. However, few examples ran in anger as much as the one which will be going under the hammer with H&H Classics at IWM Duxford on the 14th June with an estimated value of £380,000 to £450,000.
The 1936 SS Jaguar 100, which has recently undergone a comprehensive 10-year restoration boasts a history straight out of a Boys’ Own magazine.
“The story of CVU 2, is totally captivating so we are honoured to be able to offer this wonderful car for sale at our upcoming auction,” comments Roy Hitchman, sales manager, H&H Classics. “From its very first competitive outing, through to its painstaking 10-year restoration, it really does have a fascinating history and one which is expected to appeal to collectors from around the world.”
Bought in December 1936 by privateer competitor Jack Harrop from his local dealership, Henlys of Manchester, he entered the road registered ‘CVU 2’ for its competitive debut on the 1937 Monte Carlo rally, electing to start from John O’Groats with 14 other crews. Harrop secured thirtieth place overall in the event, which saw him rewarded with the Royal Scottish Automobile Trophy for being the highest place finisher to depart from the famous Highland Village.
Just two months later in its next outing, Jack piloted chassis 18050 to overall victory in the sixth RAC Rally, upsetting the applecart by beating the Works-entered SS100s into second and fourth places.
Following his remarkable win against stiff competition, Jack relocated to Switzerland and took the roadster with him. Serving as a RAF flight officer, Jack sadly never returned from patrol operations on 3rd November 1941.
However, after changing hands and seeing further competition usage, the Jaguar moved to America in 1958. Known to the influential SS Register for decades, the two-seater was careworn but remarkably original when acquired by its previous keeper, SS100 aficionado William Martin.
Mr Martin used his connections to track down and secure the car’s factory-fitted engine but otherwise made little progress with the project. Nevertheless, he insisted on interviewing the vendor to make sure that ‘CVU 2’ was going to be sympathetically refurbished.
Throughout the decade-long restoration, the current owner was supported and advised by some of the world’s leading SS Jaguar authorities. Furthermore, it was also inspected and verified by the late David Davenport of the globally respected SS Jaguar specialist, Davenport Cars.
“Not only is this car one of the nicest SS100’s we have ever encountered, but it’s quite possibly the most historic too,” adds Hitchman. “Worthy of a place in a major collection or museum, it is also eligible for a host of prestigious events, ensuring that it can be admired and enjoyed for many years to come.”
