Pre-War Jag Roadster

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1937 Jaguar SS 100

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Competition success adds credibility

Of course, even back then there was nothing new about car manufacturers using rakish styling to sell mid-market chassis (Figoni & Falaschi-bodied cars were nicknamed "Phoney and Flashy" in Britain, whilst Lagonda's extrovert LG45 Rapide gained the "Promenade Percy" sobriquet), but the SS 100 backed up the looks with competition success, which today gives it added credibility. Results included victory in the 1936 International Alpine Trial followed by class wins in the RAC events of 1937 and 1938, and the Alpine (outright) again in 1948.

The demand among collectors for SS 100s is generally consistent, and values, in line with the overall market, are moving perceptibly upward. Although converting European prices into dollars will give a skewed result due to the current record weakness of the dollar, for much of the past 20 years, a 2 1/2-Liter SS 100 typically commanded £75,000 -- £100,000 ($150,000 -- $200,000) and a 3 1/2- Liter £100,000 -- £125,000 ($200,000 -- 250,000). Today, as can be seen from this Bonhams result, prices have strengthened, although I would emphasize that not all 2 1/2-Liters will match the Goodwood price.

Why? Well, for starters, this same SS 100 was sold at an H&H auction just over a year earlier for $243,165 ($50,000 above the then-estimate), without any major work subsequently done to it by the buyer (a U.K. dealer) before Goodwood. Whether you put that down to luck, marketing, or (partly) inflation, it confirms that prices can vary significantly from one sale to another, even for the very same car. Consider also that Bonhams sold a tarty red 3 1/2-Liter SS 100 from the Rosso Bianco collection at their Goodwood Revival sale last year for $296,228 ($67,628 above top estimate), and you see what I mean.

In the case of "DUV 71," the price was determined by a variety of factors: First, this is a matching-numbers, original-bodied car. It's surprising how many SS 100s lost their original motors, many receiving XK 120 blocks later in life. The same goes for front fenders, often replaced. Secondly, the car had a well-documented history with some colorful-sounding characters and places--names like Colonel Gray-Cheape and USAF Captain Hunter Moore Alverston make for a better story than, say, a Birmingham accountant followed by a Warren Street used car dealer.

Intrepid exploits and documents

Equally, the thought of this SS 100 rallying in pre-war Britain, visiting Le Mans in the 1940s, touring Alpine passes down to Marseilles, and then being impounded in Turkey brings to mind rather more intrepid exploits than a cruise down the local high street. Thirdly, the car came with meticulous documentation, something to which European buyers attach great importance; no less than three bulging lever arch files invited prospective bidders to share the car's story.

Finally, "DUV 71" was well presented, correct in all respects following restoration by the best firms (such as Fullbridge Engineering), with no obvious needs, and liveried in what many will consider the best color combination. My former colleague Tim Schofield, now head of Bonhams's car department, described it as "a high 80s/ 90% car that attracted plenty of pre-sale interest and at least five serious bidders in the tent before being hammered down to a U.K. collector." Taking also into account its wide eligibility, good looks, robustness and usability, I'd say that although the price was 25% above the bottom estimate, time will prove this car's new owner to be right.

Details

Years Produced: 1936-40 (3 ½-Liter engine option from 1938 onward)

Number Produced: 198 (2 ½-Liter), 116 (3 ½-Liter), almost all factory-bodied roadsters and one coupe

Original List Price: £395 ($1,975 for 2½- Liter), £445 ($2,225 for 3 ½-Liter)

SCM Valuation: $150,000-$200,000

Tune-up Cost: $600-$700

Distributor Caps: Supply and demand, but assume $100

Chassis # Location: Right side chassis rail, 9-inches behind leaf spring mount, in line with starter motor

Engine # Location: Top rear right side of block (on raised boss for 3 ½-Liters)

Alternatives: 1934-36 Bentley 3 ½-Liter Vanden Plas open tourer, 1936-40 BMW 328 roadster, 1948-49 Jaguar XK 120 Alloy roadster

Investment Grade: B

Provided by Sports Car Market—The Insider's Guide to Collecting, Investing, Values and Trends