1937 Jaguar SS 100 – Exterior and Interior – Auto Zürich Classic Car Show 2022
Few pre-war British sports cars are as closely tied to a brand’s identity as the Jaguar SS 100. Introduced in the mid-1930s, it demonstrated that a relatively small manufacturer could build a car capable of genuine high performance. The “100” in its name referred directly to its ability to reach 100 miles per hour, an achievement that placed it among the fastest production sports cars of its time.
Technical Details
The 1937 Jaguar SS 100 represented the most developed version of the SS 100 series produced by SS Cars Ltd., the company that would later become Jaguar. The car was powered by a front-mounted inline six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 2,663 cc. This engine produced approximately 100 horsepower, a significant output for a road car of the period and the source of the model’s “100” designation. Earlier SS 100 versions had used a smaller 2.5-liter engine producing around 102 horsepower, but the later 2.7-liter unit delivered stronger torque and improved drivability.
Power was transmitted to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox. The drivetrain followed the conventional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout typical of British sports cars of the era. The chassis consisted of a rigid ladder frame with beam axles at the front and rear, suspended by semi-elliptic leaf springs. Braking was handled by drum brakes on all four wheels. Despite the relatively traditional mechanical layout, the SS 100 achieved impressive performance figures, including a top speed of around 100 mph (160 km/h), which was rare for a production sports car in the late 1930s.
The combination of a powerful six-cylinder engine and relatively low weight made the SS 100 a lively and capable sports machine. Contemporary road tests often praised its acceleration and high-speed stability, qualities that contributed to its reputation among enthusiasts and racing drivers.
- Manufacturer: SS Cars Ltd. (later Jaguar Cars)
- Model name: Jaguar SS 100
- Year of manufacturing: 1936–1940 (1937 example within this production period)
Design
The design of the Jaguar SS 100 reflects the visual language of pre-war British sports cars, emphasizing long proportions and exposed mechanical elements. The most striking feature is the extended hood, which visually highlights the large six-cylinder engine beneath it. The passenger compartment sits relatively far back on the chassis, creating a classic sports-car silhouette with balanced proportions.
The front end is defined by a tall, narrow radiator grille with vertical slats, flanked by large round headlights mounted separately on the fenders. Sweeping front and rear fenders give the car a flowing appearance while still clearly exposing the wire wheels. Running boards connect the fenders along the sides, reinforcing the long, low profile typical of late-1930s sports machines.
Most SS 100 cars were produced as open two-seat roadsters, emphasizing the sporting character of the model. The interior layout was simple and driver-oriented. A large steering wheel faced a compact set of instruments arranged across the dashboard, providing essential information without unnecessary decoration. Leather upholstery and wood details added a touch of refinement, but the overall impression remained that of a purposeful performance car rather than a luxury tourer.
Historical Significance
The SS 100 occupies an important place in the early history of Jaguar. During the early 1930s, SS Cars Ltd. initially produced bodies for Standard Motor Company chassis before gradually moving toward complete automobile production. The SS 100 marked a turning point in this transition by establishing the company’s reputation as a builder of high-performance sports cars.
The model was developed under the leadership of William Lyons, who would later become one of the most influential figures in British automotive history. Lyons emphasized both performance and visual elegance, a combination that would become a defining characteristic of Jaguar vehicles in the decades that followed.
Production numbers for the SS 100 were relatively small. Between 1936 and 1940, fewer than 400 examples were built across both the 2.5-liter and 3.5-liter versions. This limited output reflected the specialized nature of the car and the small scale of the manufacturer at the time. Even so, the model helped establish Jaguar’s early sporting reputation and laid the groundwork for later successes such as the XK series after the Second World War.
Quirks and Pop Culture
The name “SS” in the original designation refers to the company name SS Cars Ltd., derived from the Swallow Sidecar Company founded by William Lyons and William Walmsley. After the Second World War, the letters “SS” had become politically and historically problematic due to their association with Nazi Germany. As a result, the company changed its name to Jaguar Cars in 1945, and later references to the model often omit the original “SS” prefix.
Today, the SS 100 is frequently described simply as the Jaguar SS 100 or sometimes just Jaguar 100 to avoid confusion. Despite the complicated naming history, the car remains widely admired for its design and performance. Surviving examples are rare and highly valued among collectors, often appearing in historic racing events and concours exhibitions. Its long hood, flowing fenders, and exposed wire wheels have also influenced how many enthusiasts imagine the classic pre-war British sports car.
Display and preservation
The vehicle was exhibited at the Auto Zürich Classic Car Show in 2022. The 35th edition of Auto Zürich is Switzerland’s leading automotive trade fairs, traditionally hosting numerous world and Swiss premieres. Since 2019, Hall 6 has been exclusively dedicated to classic automobiles, providing a distinguished setting for historic vehicles, while the majority of the exhibition space remained focused on modern mobility solutions. The classic cars presented at Auto Zürich were of remarkably high quality. With approximately 60,000 visitors, Auto Zürich Classic was first introduced in 2019. In 2022, a special exhibition celebrated Ferrari’s 75th anniversary, showcasing more than a dozen Ferrari models.
Conclusion
The 1937 Jaguar SS 100 represents a formative moment in the development of Jaguar as a sports car manufacturer. Technically straightforward yet powerful, it combined a strong six-cylinder engine with lightweight construction and a traditional chassis layout. Its design emphasized long, elegant proportions and open-top driving, while its performance placed it among the fastest road cars of its time. Produced in limited numbers, the SS 100 helped establish the reputation that Jaguar would later build upon with its post-war sports cars and racing successes.
