2018-12-16 14:10:27 | pauls writes:

Car was at auction in 2015
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo15/monterey/lots/r112-1937-ss-100-jaguar-2-litre-ro ...

Auction description:
Lot Number 321
1937 SS 100 Jaguar 2½-Litre Roadster
Sold For $429,000
Inclusive of applicable buyer's fee.
RM | Sotheby's - MONTEREY 2015
Chassis No. 18107
Engine No. 253163
Body No. 4834

Documented authentic SS 100 Jaguar
Meticulous, award-winning 14-year restoration
Extensive history file and artifacts

Purchased as a barn-find by the current owner, this striking SS 100 Roadster has been the subject of a meticulous frame-up restoration. According to its Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, it was delivered new by Henly’s Ltd. to a Mr. M.C. Hughes on June 10, 1937. It was later sold to renowned classic car collector Homer Tsakis, of New York. Poor health forced Tsakis to sell his collection, and the SS 100 was acquired by Joseph Cresci, of New Hampshire, in 1969. Cresci planned to restore it but forewent the project before much was accomplished. The restoration did not begin in earnest until the current owner acquired it, partially dismantled but essentially complete, in 2001.

What transpired in the intervening 14 years was a complete, meticulous, frame-off restoration. This attention to detail and authenticity was not wasted. Historical records, including photographs, factory records, service manuals, and archive material, were carefully studied and recorded. To restore it to its former elegance, every car part had to be reconditioned, restored, or replaced. Craftsmen from as far away as South Africa were commissioned to manufacture parts that could not be located.

The Jaguar was finished in its original maroon color, as documented in the Heritage Certificate. The interior color, however, was not specified, so a warm Biscuit leather was chosen to dramatically enhance the look of the completed car. Outside, the car is stunning. Everything about it conveys the restoration’s commitment to authenticity, quality, and beauty. The body is outstanding, with superb fit and gaps. The car’s interior, paint, chrome, glass, and lamps are equally magnificent. The engine compartment is also stunning, being beautifully detailed and correct. The original engine build was by Leo Goff, world-renowned builder of special engines.

This beautiful Jaguar is offered with a substantial history file and artifacts, including the JDHT Certificate, copies of titles from previous owners, a scrapbook of photographs documenting the meticulous body-off restoration, a copy of the SS 100 Register identifying known SS 100 owners, assorted literature pertaining to this model, and hand-made side curtains.

In 2012, the British Car Club of Memphis awarded the car Best of Show. More enhancements to the car followed, and the restoration was completed in May 2014. At the 2014 British Car National Meet in Hot Springs, Arkansas, marques with distinguished pedigrees from all over the United States and Canada gathered to determine which prestigious car would receive the highest accolade. Ultimately, this stunning SS 100 was bestowed The Crown Jewel Award.

This is an exciting and thrilling Jaguar ancestor, restored to the highest standard.