1938 SS 100 Jaguar Roadster
William Lyons chose the Jaguar name for his first true sports car in 1935, creating one of the most beautiful roadsters of the pre-war period. The SS 100 combined flowing fenders, a long hood, and graceful proportions that established the template for classic British sports car design.
Only 308 examples were constructed between 1936 and 1940, making these among the rarest pre-war sports cars.
The roadster’s 213 cubic inch (3.5-liter) overhead-valve six-cylinder engine produced about 125 horsepower through twin SU carburetors, delivering genuine 100+ mph performance that few cars could match in 1938. A four-speed manual transmission with synchromesh on the top three gears transferred power to the live rear axle.
Built on a compact 104-inch wheelbase and weighing 2,600 pounds (1,179 kg), the SS 100 offered an exceptional power-to-weight ratio for its time. The combination of performance, styling, and relatively affordable pricing made it highly desirable among enthusiasts.
As the first model to carry the Jaguar badge, the SS 100 launched a legendary marque and remains the quintessential 1930s British sports car.
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