“SS is the name of a new car that is going to thrill the hearts of the motoring public and trade alike….” wrote Autocar in 1931, quoting the celebrated designer William Lyons of Jaguar fame. The “SS100” gained its name from the 3 litre engine option made available in 1938 which could achieve the magic 100mph figure, spectacular in its day.

Suffolk Sportscars was originally established with the expressed intention of creating a true reproduction of the“SS100”. With a limited production run, many of which were destined for overseas markets, this car offers a great and relatively rare opportunity for someone looking to enjoy an affordable and useable recreation of a pre-war classic, sympathetically upgraded with modern features more aligned to today’s traffic conditions.

Based upon the identity of a 1983 XJ6, this car has a 3.4 litre straight-six fed by twin SU HS8 carburettors, coupled to a manual four speed transmission with overdrive. It also features upgraded elements such as disc brakes, a “123” electronic ignition,sports coil, electric fan, and inertia-reel seat belts. Finished in blue with matching painted wire wheels shod with Blockley tyres, the interior is trimmed in light grey leather upholstery with grey carpets, with an engine-turned instrument panel and four spoke metal steering wheel. The black hood is very effective, and side-screens are stored in a lockable compartment behind the seats, along with the tonneau cover.

Its sale has been handled twice by Suffolk Sportscars with just one further keeper since. Records show that on the second occasion it returned to the factory where a full “PDI” check was undertaken prior to re-sale. Subsequently the current owner engaged a classic motor engineer in 2020 to undertake an engine service and supply and fit a new ignition system. This current owner is a long-standing Jaguar enthusiast, and it had always been an ambition to own an “SS” and so it is now only offered for sale with some reluctance, due to him having embarked upon a major restoration project on an MGBGT owned within the family since new in 1967.  

The car’s engine note is very appealing and it ticks over very smoothly once warmed-up and drives extremely well. You really get the sense of speed once out on the open road with the wind in your hair! However, the experience is equally fun in less clement weather, as with excellent the hood up and the cabin heat on, the interior is warm and oddly cosy, and the car takes on a different charm. Alternatively you can drive with just the tonneau in place. Sensibly there's a lockable cubby hole behind the front seats too.

We would be delighted to arrange a viewing at our Rudgwick showroom or discuss this car in further detail, please contact Julien Sumner on 07788 856700.

‍