1934 SS II Tourer

Lot details
Registration No: BGT 313
Chassis No: 300621
Mot Expiry: Nov 2009

"The S.S. II is a car designed to meet the ideal of those who desire a small car embodying all the refinements usually associated with the most expensive models. The grace of line appeals to the artistic taste, and the interior appointments signify the refinements characteristic of a luxury car" - Swallow Coachbuilding brochure.

Launched at the October 1931 London Motor Show, the S.S. II began life as little more than a dramatically re-bodied Standard Nine. Available in Saloon, Coupe and (eventually) Tourer guises, the 'baby' S.S. gained a bespoke underslung chassis in late 1933. More than a foot longer than the outgoing platform, the new cross-braced frame showed off William Lyons' styling to far better effect (indeed, its 8ft 8in wheelbase was later adopted by the SS Jaguar 100). Featuring all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension, Hartford friction-type shock absorbers, Marles Weller cam and lever steering, 12-volt electrics and four-wheel drum brakes, the revised S.S. II could be had with a choice of 10hp (1343cc) or 12hp (1608cc) engines. Sourced from Standard, these torquey four-cylinder sidevalve units were rated at 32bhp and 38bhp respectively. Allied to four-speed manual transmission (with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears), they reputedly allowed the model to reach speeds of between 60mph and 70mph. Far rarer than the Saloon or Coupe variants (if only because it was in production for less time), the S.S. II Tourer was just as well appointed. Supported by an ash frame, its two-door body boasted an integral luggage trunk, folding windscreen, generously stocked dual cowl dashboard, flowing wings, individual rear 'armchairs' and good quality leather upholstery. Priced at £260 (10hp) or £265 (12hp) when new, the S.S. II Tourer has long been prized for its aesthetic appeal. Rare as the proverbial hen's teeth, some sources put the number of known survivors at less than a dozen.

Finished in Old English White with red leather upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "OK" (engine, gearbox, electrical equipment), "fair" (paintwork), "very good" (bodywork) or "excellent" (interior trim) condition. Although, the accompanying continuation logbook only dates back to the 1950s, 'BGT 313' entered the current ownership during 1995 on the understanding that it had belonged to various members of the Nuneaton-based Smith family since 1940. Beginning life as a 10hp machine, the Tourer was upgraded with its present Standard 12hp engine in 1961. While, eleven years later it was invited to go on display at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum as part of Jaguar's 50th Anniversary celebrations (Swallow Coachbuilding 1922 - Jaguar Cars 1972). A letter of thanks from Andrew Whyte regarding the event remains on file as does a photo depicting Sir William Lyons with the car. A joiner by trade as well as something of an amateur restorer, the seller has treated 'BGT 313' to a new ash frame, repanelled boot lid, replacement radiator core and rejuvenated wiring over the last decade or so. Though, he chose to have the interior professionally retrimmed. Starting readily upon inspection but very little used of late, the Tourer boasts a hood, sidescreens and tonneau cover. Riding on painted wire wheels, this disarmingly pretty not to mention ultra-rare S.S. II is offered for sale with jack, starting handle, sundry minor spares, assorted paperwork and MOT certificate valid until November 2009.