2013-04-23 20:03:12 | Lofty writes:

Car to be at auction 4/13
www.coys.co.uk/auction.php

Auction description:
Lot 407 - 1937 SS Jaguar 100 Tourer Special
Estimate: £75,000 - £85,000
Registration Number: PSJ 191
Chassis Number: 21457

The art of the vintage 'Special' builder is fuelled by an inquisitive nature, mechanical dexterity and, most importantly, a vision. Many such assemblies were created after WW2 when scrap yards were breaking all manner of the mundane and the exotic and those disparate parts as sought by motoring visionaries were commonplace. Yet as recently as 30-years ago, it was still possible to accumulate enough correct parts to create some stunning evocations.

Some while back in the mid 1980's, having already acquired an overhead-valve 2.5 litre straight-six engine, gearbox, rear axle and sundry bits from the completely rotten carcass of what was thought to be a pre-war SS Jaguar Tourer retrieved from the scrap yard of one well known eccentric, Duke Smith, near Bishops Lydead in Somerset, a certain Mr Alan Holmes went looking for a suitable chassis to build his pre-war 'vision'. Such a chassis was purchased and later identified, by officials of the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club, as being of 1937 vintage. The chassis number 21457 suggests that the probable donor car, from which this chassis was taken, started life as a 1.5-litre SS saloon.

Now that his vision was complete - it was now time for Holmes to get in touch with reality. After more than 30 years of neglect, the engine was fitted with new standard liners and pistons, the crankshaft was reground and all bearings renewed. The cylinder head was rebuilt with new valves, a gearbox rebuilt and assembled with new bearings from the remains of two donors and a new differential fitted to a refurbished rear axle. New brake rods with the original pivots, skimmed drums with new linings provided the rapidly materialising vision's stopping power. Allen Clear of West Chinnock in Somerset (famous for his work on Riley MPH/Sprite cars) provided the new ash frame and alloy body, incorporating a stainless tank to complement the new stainless exhaust.

The result was so good that Mr Holmes spent an excessive amount of time and cash fitting the car with refurbished and recalibrated instruments, correct period lights and associated detail fittings. He then polished the alloy bodywork and attended numerous shows in his area. Graham Searle (JEC General Manager) and Keith Vincent (JEC DVLA Representative) confirmed a 1937 registration with DVLA and the registration number PSJ 191 was summarily allocated to the car in 1998.

The vendor purchased the car in 2003, still in bare metal and fitted with unsatisfactory seating and no weather gear. As a fresh vision emerged, PSJ 191 was immediately dismantled, cleaned and professionally painted in Old English White. A full black leather interior, complemented by dark blue Wilton carpets with mohair hood, side screens and full tonneau, was designed and fitted by upholstery staff from Jaguar Cars development department. These expensive, but necessary improvements finally delivered the true reality of this long-held vision - a car that can stand proudly next to an original SS100.

This beautiful and expertly executed 'Special' offers sporty but comfortable two-seater vintage motoring with ample luggage space for those 'grand touring' escapades to just about any European destination. Despite now being MOT exempt, this capable tourer is currently MOT tested to September 2013 and is truly ready to fulfil another lucky custodian's 'vision'.