2015-05-16 21:35:38 | pauls writes:

Car to be at auction 5/15
www.bonhams.com/auctions/22717/lot/286/

Auction description:
Lot 286
1935 SS1 Sports Two Seater
Chassis no. 248943
Engine no. H112E - see text
US$ 55,000 - 65,000
£35,000 - 41,000
Auction 22717:
Greenwich Concours d'Elegance Auction
31 May 2015 12:30 EDT
Greenwich
1935 SS1 Sports Two Seater

A former Greenwich Concours d'Elegance exhibit, the car being shown here in the early days in 2000, this rare early SS Sports has been in the present ownership since 1992.

The car's U.S. history charts ownership since December 1975, when it was the property of 'Flying W. Productions' of Fort Lauderdale. As titled, the car is stated to be chassis number 248943, which one has little reason to doubt, but as on all early SS cars is not actually stamped on their frames.

Assuming the identity on which it transacted to be accurate, rather interestingly, as researched by Bonhams with Jaguar Daimler Heritage, this suggests that it started life as one of the most charismatic of all SS designs, a 20hp Airline Coupe. The Trust confirms that chassis number 248943 was built on February 20, 1935 and dispatched/sold three months later on May 13, 1935 to Captain D. Squire. Airline Coupe, chassis 248943 originally wore Olive Green paint and a matched green interior.

The car's early life and indeed even how it came to be in Florida in the 1970s are not charted, however, it is possible that the British Registration/Licence plate it wears 'FRX 252' which dates from the late 1940s, from Berkshire County in the U.K. may provide some clue to this. Already by the time it arrived on these shores it seems likely that its original coachwork was long lost, else perhaps it might have been revived in this form. It had also lost its SS supplied Standard engine, which had been replaced with a Standard 20hp engine most likely from a Standard rather than SS car. Former owner Gene Schiavone commissioned a comprehensive restoration of the car by Bassett's Jaguar of Wyoming, Rhode Island, between 1987 and 1990, at which point the sporty two seater body it wears now was created and fitted. Even at yesterday's rates, the costs of this work were considerable and amounted to in excess of $90,000.

Shortly after the completion of its rebody, the car passed to its current long term ownership where it has been enjoyed and occasionally shown. Offering a sporty pre-war look, in fine cosmetically restored order, with a great power to weight ratio, the car looks sure to provide some summer fun.

Please note that the car is titled as a 1934 car.