21st Jul, 2010 14:50

The Pavilion Gardens

 
  Lot 58
 

1934 SS 1 20hp Four Light Saloon

Sold for £112,500

(including buyers premium)


Lot details
Registration No: 793 UXK
Chassis No: 247468
Mot Expiry: July 2011

"Sports cars have passed through a stage of evolution during the past few years and instead of the raucous machine of high horse power, popular a few years ago, the modern sports car is a refined and trim machine capable of really high speeds yet withal quite docile and easily handled. The 20hp S.S.1 Saloon is definitely a car of the sporting type, yet from the points of view of quietness, smoothness in running, soft suspension and body equipment, the model under review compares in a very favourable light with its ordinary touring counterpart . . . Altogether then the S.S.1 is a car for the connoisseur who requires an automobile of outstanding appearance with a good all-round performance" (The Motor, July 3rd 1934)

Brand new for the 1934 season, the S.S.1 20hp Saloon was the most expensive model offered by S.S. Cars Ltd that year. Based around the same cruciform-braced, 9ft 11in wheelbase chassis frame as its lesser Coupe and Tourer siblings, the stunning Four Light design was equipped with an underslung rear axle, all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension and cable-operated 12.5in drum brakes. Employing a two-inch wider track than their forebears, the 1934-model year 20hp cars also benefited from a more powerful version of Standard's smooth, alloy cylinder head topped 2663cc sidevalve straight-six engine not to mention an improved four-speed manual transmission (with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears). A world away from earlier S.S.1 variants - in dynamic if not stylistic terms - they were proof that there was real substance to William Lyons' fledgling marque.

Allying flamboyant curves to subtle detailing, the svelte two-door 20hp Saloon was little short of an Art Deco masterpiece. With its raked / shield-shaped radiator grille, daringly low roof line, moulded spare wheel cover, full flowing wings, heavily louvered bonnet / chassis side rail covers, subtly curved front / rear windscreen surrounds and wide opening doors, the flagship S.S.1 was a match for anything that contemporary French or Italian coachbuilders could create. Barely less dramatic, the four-seater interior featured an imposing four-spoke sprung steering wheel, hexagon surround instruments, rich wood veneers, sunburst patterned door cards and sumptuous Vaumol leather upholstery. Belying appearances and despite the presence of a sliding sunroof, it could accommodate tall drivers with ease. Reputedly able to exceed 80 mph and return 23 mpg under favourable conditions, the S.S.1 20hp Saloon proved a worthy ancestor to the likes of the S.S. Jaguar 100. Of the circa 1,100 made, just 45 or so are thought to have survived to the present day.

This particular example - chassis number 247468 - was completed on 21st February 1934 and dispatched to Australian distributors, Tozer Kemsley & Millbourne, early the following month. Road registered in Victoria during April 1934, nothing is known of the car's subsequent history until January 1961 when it resurfaced in the hands of Mansfield resident, John Kannegiesser Esq. Acquired by William Dean Esq of Welshpool around 1973 - 1974 as a potential source of spares for his existing 1933 S.S.1 Coupe, the non-running 20hp Saloon was nonetheless deemed too good to cannibalise. Given to Ivan Stephens Esq in 1990 as part payment for the restoration work he had carried out on Mr Dean's aforementioned Coupe, the Four Light was itself treated to an extensive refurbishment. Initially got going with another sidevalve powerplant during 1993, the S.S.1 was later reunited with its factory fitted engine. Able to boast 'matching' chassis, engine and body numbers, the car also pleasingly retains such original features as its motif-laden radiator cap / Lucas 'Long Range' headlamps, 'Owl Eye' type rear lamps, correct style instruments and Ace wheel discs.

Driven regularly before being entered by Mr Stephens for Shannon's Melbourne Grand Prix auction in March 2000, chassis 247468 did not find a buyer under the hammer but subsequently sold to Brian Beni Esq. Repatriated to the UK during 2001, the 20hp Saloon was then purchased by David O'Rorke of Farnham, Surrey. Laid-up at the premises of renowned Sandy, Bedfordshire-based S.S. specialist Davenport Motors, it entered the current ownership in November 2004. Tasked with recommissioning the four-seater, Davenport and his team duly overhauled its front suspension, steering and brake system etc. Granted the UK registration number '793 UXK' during October 2005, the Four Light attended various rallies and events over the next twelve months including the Jaguar Drivers Club's S.S.1 75th Anniversary Concours at Eynsham Park where it was awarded 3rd place. Subtly upgraded with a more modern coil, electric fuel pump and in-line filter, chassis 247468 also benefits from twin SU carburettors in place of its original (but weedy) RAG component. Recently MOT tested, the 20hp Saloon was invited to form part of the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust's official display at the July 2nd-4th 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Illustrated on pages 64, 65, 66, 70 and 71 of S.S.I & S.S.II Cars, 'The Birth of the Jaguar Legend' by Allan Crouch, this stunning looking machine is offered for sale with Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, jack, starting handle, sundry tools and paperwork file. A car to which photographs barely do justice, it is worthy of close inspection.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has a current MOT expiring July 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: There is no starting handle for this vehicle. A jack and sundry other period tools will be forwarded to a successful purchaser.
 

All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.

You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:

               

Auction: The Pavilion Gardens, 21st Jul, 2010

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