Image of 1938 Jaguar Ss100, sourced from www.charlescrail.com , Image Link.

Unveiling the Elegance of the 1938 Jaguar SS100

The 1938 Jaguar SS100 is not merely a car; it's a rolling sculpture that encapsulates the zenith of pre-war automotive design. Born from the fervent ambition of William Lyons, co-founder of Swallow Sidecar Company, which would later become Jaguar Cars, this vehicle emerged as an emblem of speed and beauty. The SS100's introduction to the market marked a pivotal moment for the British automaker, showcasing its commitment to producing high-performance sports cars. A unique fact about this model is that the "100" in its name signifies its ability to exceed 100 miles per hour—a remarkable feat at the time.

Design and Innovation: A Timeless Masterpiece

The exterior of the 1938 Jaguar SS100 is a feast for the eyes, with its long bonnet, sweeping fenders, and cut-down doors that create an aura of speed even when stationary. The vehicle's interior exudes a sense of luxury with rich leather upholstery and polished wood accents. In an era where comfort often took a backseat to performance, the SS100 managed to offer both. Technologically, it boasted innovations like the overhead-valve engine and a four-speed gearbox. Color options ranged from deep blues to striking reds, with British Racing Green being among the most sought-after hues. The roadster body style was particularly iconic, often associated with open-air motoring elegance.

Historical Significance: A Trailblazer in Automotive Evolution

The Jaguar SS100 didn't just turn heads; it set a new standard for what a sports car could be. Its blend of performance, styling, and affordability challenged other manufacturers to step up their game. It was one of the first cars to bear the Jaguar name, paving the way for a legacy that would flourish in post-war years. Its influence can be seen in every sports car that values aesthetics as much as speed.

Performance and Handling: The Quintessence of Pre-War Agility

Underneath its bonnet lay a powerful 3.5-liter engine capable of propelling the SS100 from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable time frame for its era. With a top speed around 101 mph, it was one of the fastest production cars available at that time. The SS100's handling was equally impressive; its lightweight frame and responsive steering made it adept at navigating both country roads and racing circuits. Driving an SS100 was an auditory delight as well—the deep growl of its engine was music to any enthusiast's ears.

Ownership Experience: More Than Just A Collector's Item

While some owners relished using their SS100s as daily drivers or weekend cruisers, others reveled in its competitive spirit on racetracks or showcased its timeless beauty in car shows. Maintenance requires a certain level of dedication due to its age and rarity, but many owners find this part of its charm. The car's simple mechanical design makes it relatively straightforward for those familiar with vintage vehicles.

Fun Facts: From Celebrity Owners to Record Breakers

The 1938 Jaguar SS100 has graced many prestigious collections and has been owned by celebrities over the decades. It has also made appearances in numerous films and historical events that add to its storied past. While criticisms have been few, some purists argue that later models lost some of the raw edge that made the SS100 so special.

Collector's Information: A Valuable Piece of Automotive History

Today, an original 1938 Jaguar SS100 is a rare gem with only around 118 units ever produced for this particular year. As such, they command high prices when they appear on the market—often fetching between $300,000 to over $1 million depending on provenance and condition. The value trend for these vehicles has generally been appreciating over time due to their scarcity and historical importance.

Conclusion: Celebrating an Automotive Icon

The 1938 Jaguar SS100 stands as a testament to pre-war automotive excellence—a perfect blend of form and function that continues to captivate enthusiasts around the world. Its legacy endures not only through its aesthetic appeal but also through its impact on sports car design and performance standards. Owning an SS100 is more than possessing a vehicle; it's about preserving a piece of history that still resonates with elegance and excitement.

1938 Jaguar SS100 Windshield Post Pads. 3-1/4" wide X 6-1/8" long. Pair R&L-MP 799-AWindshield Post Pads. 3-1/4" wide X 6-1/8" long. Pair R&L

1938 Jaguar SS100 Fender Mirror Pad. 1-3/8" wide X 2-1/8" long. Each-MP 799-AAFender Mirror Pad. 1-3/8" wide X 2-1/8" long. Each

1938 Jaguar SS100 Headlight Pads. 2-5/8" wide X 5-1/8" long. Pair-MP 799-BHeadlight Pads. 2-5/8" wide X 5-1/8" long. Pair

1938 Jaguar SS100 Headlight Pads. 3" wide X 2-5/8" long. Pair-MP 799-QHeadlight Pads. 3" wide X 2-5/8" long. Pair

1938 Jaguar SS100 Tail-light pads. 3-3/4 in. W x 3-5/8 in. L. Pair.-MP 799-RTail-light pads. 3-3/4 in. W x 3-5/8 in. L. Pair.

1938 Jaguar SS100 Windshield Wiper Transmission Pad-MP 799-SWindshield Wiper Transmission Pad. 1-1/4" wide X 1-5/8" long. Each

1938 Jaguar SS100 Hood Latch Pad. 2-1/4" O.D. Each-MP 799-THood Latch Pad. 2-1/4" O.D. Each

1938 Jaguar SS100 Headlight Pads. 3-7/8" wide X 5-1/8" long. Pair-MP 799-YHeadlight Pads. 3-7/8" wide X 5-1/8" long. Pair

1938 Jaguar SS100 Spark plug wire boot. Exclusive Metro part-RP 1-KSpark plug wire boot. Exclusive Metro part. Fits on the distributor cap end. Note: looks similar to coil boot, but is physically smaller. Replaces OEM# CO 2609. Each.