2012-04-27 20:44:56 | Blighter writes:

H&H auction comment 25 July 2007 Kempton Park racecourse:
"The 3.5 Litre Jaguar may honestly be ranked among the high-class, high-performance cars of the world" (Country Life). Introduced in September 1937 as part of the revised SS Jaguar range, the 3.5 Litre Saloon was styled by William Lyons. Wonderfully rakish, its all-steel body did without a wooden support frame. Able to seat five in comfort, the four-light design sat atop a box-section chassis featuring semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension, 14-inch Girling drum brakes and an underslung spiral-bevel rear axle. Shared with the larger-engined SS100 sportscar, its 3485cc OHV straight-six boasted a seven-bearing crankshaft, twin SU carburettors and 125hp. Allied to four-speed synchromesh transmission, it reputedly endowed the flagship saloon with a 95mph top speed. Trimmed with Vaumol leather, walnut veneers and thick carpets, the model was nicknamed the 'Wardour Street Bentley' (a reference to its popularity among Britain's film-making crowd). Phased out in 1940, just 1,087 are thought to have been made. First registered in London, 'FXV 588' later migrated to America. On display at the Sarasota Car Museum until recently, it is perhaps best described as a running restoration project. Repainted white at some stage, the saloon appears to retain its original (albeit weathered) red leather upholstery. Starting readily and showing 60psi oil pressure, the engine bears a 'SS 3.5 Litre' casting mark. However, the unit remains something of an unknown commodity. Seeming remarkably well-preserved upon a recent inspection, the all-steel body sports Lucas driving / headlights, Raydyot pillar-mounted spotlights and a sunroof. Supremely stylish, this rare SS Jaguar is offered for sale with Heritage and MOT certificates, the latter valid until July 2008"
Estimate
£20000-£25000

Hammer price £15500