Chassis No. 247877 | Engine No. 248520 | Body No. 4065

This is our 1934 SS Cars Ltd. SS1 Tourer, chassis number 247877, finished in British Racing Green over Tan leather upholstery. Completed on May 4, 1934, and originally delivered through Henlys of London, this example represents an early chapter in the history of the company that would eventually become Jaguar. Having spent much of its life in Australia, chassis 247877 underwent an extensive, multiyear restoration and concours preparation at a reported cost exceeding AUD $355,000 (approximately USD $250,000). The restoration included significant mechanical improvements intended to enhance the car's touring capabilities while preserving its prewar character. Subsequently recognized at numerous concours events in Australia and the United States, this SS1 Tourer has established an extensive history of international exhibition and participation.

The origins of SS Cars Ltd. can be traced to 1922, when William Lyons and William Walmsley established the Swallow Sidecar Company in Blackpool, England. Initially specializing in motorcycle sidecars, the business expanded into automobile coachbuilding during the late 1920s, producing distinctive bodies for vehicles such as the Austin Seven. Following a move to Coventry in 1928, the company continued to grow, eventually introducing automobiles under the SS name using specially designed rolling chassis and engines supplied by the Standard Motor Company. The SS1 debuted at the 1931 Olympia Motor Show in London, with the open four-seat Sports Tourer joining the range in 1933. These early automobiles helped establish the styling philosophy that would later define Jaguar.

According to the Jaguar Heritage Trust, chassis 247877 was completed on May 4, 1934, and originally sold through Henlys in London, England. By 1935, the car had made its way to Australia, where it would spend the majority of its life. During its time there, the Tourer underwent a comprehensive restoration and concours preparation spanning several years, with expenditures reportedly exceeding AUD $355,000.

The restoration was undertaken by marque specialists in Australia, with particular attention given to both its presentation and mechanical performance. According to an earlier RM Sotheby's auction description, the engine was extensively reworked with the installation of a 3½-liter crankshaft, new connecting rods, and pistons, increasing displacement from its original 2½-liter configuration to approximately 3.0 liters. A subsequent Broad Arrow auction description also reports the installation of a new high-compression cylinder head and SU sand-cast carburetors featuring Teflon-coated slides and larger jets to accommodate the increased airflow. The drivetrain was reportedly rebuilt and adjusted for touring, with new wheel knock-offs installed as part of the work. These modifications were intended to improve drivability and performance while retaining the character of the original six-cylinder engine.

Presented in the traditional British color combination of British Racing Green over Tan leather, the car displays the elegant proportions and distinctive styling that characterized William Lyons' early designs. Its open four-seat Tourer bodywork offers a combination of sporting appearance and practicality, reflecting the company's transition from specialist coachbuilding into the production of complete automobiles.

During its years in Australia, chassis 247877 participated in numerous touring events, rallies, and concours competitions. Its previous auction catalog documents appearances at the Victorian Jaguar Concours d'Elegance in 2007, 2009, and 2010, along with participation in the Australian Jaguar National Rally in 2008, 2010, and 2015. The car was also reported to have earned overall Concours d'Elegance honors at the 39th Australian Jaguar National Rally, further establishing its reputation within the Australian Jaguar enthusiast community. According to the previous owner, the Australian Council of Jaguar Clubs also judged the car to be 100% authentic.

The car was subsequently brought to the United States in 2018, where it continued to participate in the concours circuit. Its previous auction description reports recognition at events associated with Amelia Island, Hilton Head, the Jaguar Clubs of North America, the Classic Car Club of America, the St. Michaels Concours d'Elegance, and the Gasparilla Concours d'Elegance. Chassis 247877 was also reportedly featured in the international edition of E-Type Magazine, further documenting its recognition among enthusiasts of early Jaguar automobiles.

In August 2022, chassis 247877 was offered through Broad Arrow Auctions at its Monterey Jet Center sale, where it was acquired by its current owner, a private collector residing in the Midwest. The car continues to present in its British Racing Green and Tan leather color combination, reflecting the extensive restoration undertaken during its years in Australia.

With its documented May 1934 production date, early delivery through Henlys of London, extensive Australian restoration, significant mechanical improvements, and distinguished international concours history, chassis 247877 represents a particularly noteworthy example of the SS1 Tourer and an important automobile from the formative years of Jaguar's history. Its combination of elegant prewar coachwork, thoughtful engineering improvements, and recognition at numerous concours events further distinguishes this early British sports tourer.