SS 1

The SS 1 (the top of its radiator says 'SS One') is a British two-door sports saloon and tourer built by Swallow Coachbuilding Company in Foleshill, Coventry, England. It was first presented to the public at the 1931 London Motor Show.[1] In slightly modified form it was then manufactured between 1932 and 1936,[2][3] during which time 148 cars were built.

For other uses, see SS1 (disambiguation).

SS 1
Four-seater tourer made 1933
Overview
Manufacturer
Production1931–1936
Body and chassis
Classsports saloon
Body styleIn order of introduction —
2-door 4-seater:
  • fixed head coupé
  • tourer
  • sports saloon
  • Airline sports saloon
  • drophead coupé
Layoutfront engine rear wheel drive
Chronology
PredecessorSwallow bodied Standard Fifteen
Successor4/5-seater SS Jaguar 2½ litre

The Company

Walmsley Lyons and Co, as SS Cars Limited, purchased Swallow at the end of July 1934. In 1945 SS Cars changed its name to Jaguar Cars Limited.

The Car

The SS 1 was noted for its apparent value-for-money and its attractive appearance, rather than its performance. It used a 15hp six-cylinder side-valve Standard engine of 2054 cc 48 bhp (36 kW) or 20hp 2552 cc 62 bhp (46 kW) from 1932 until 1934, which was enlarged to 2143 cc 53 bhp (40 kW) or 2663 cc 68 bhp (51 kW) for the 1934 to 1936 models. The chassis was also made by Standard and changed to underslung suspension in 1933. With a top speed of 75 mph (121 km/h), the cars were remarkable for their styling and low cost rather than their performance. In 1932 the basic coupe cost £310. Just over 4200 cars were made.

Developments

The car was initially supplied as a four-seater fixed head coupé. In 1933 a tourer was launched. For 1934 the chassis was modified to give a wider track and better front footwells. The gearbox also gained synchromesh. In 1934 a saloon version and in 1935 an Airline coupé and drophead coupé were added to the range.

Specifications

The car was 15 feet 6 inches (4.72 m) long and 5 feet 3.5 inches (1.613 m) wide (growing to 5 feet 5​1⁄2 inches in 1934) and typically weighed 2300 pounds (1043 kg).

Pictures
  • Radiator badge
  • Instrument panel of a 1936 tourer
  • 1933 four-seater fixed head coupé
  • 1933 four-seater sports saloon
  • 1933 16hp tourer
  • 1935 Airline sports saloon
  • 1936 tourer
  • 1936 tourer

References
  1. "The Lyons share – interview with WL". Motor. 19 February 1972. pp. 18–21.
  2. 1934 Jaguar SS1 Bonhams- The December sale 2015 www.classicdriver.com, accessed 5 October 2019
  3. Cliff Chambers/ Ellen Dewar: SS1 Saloon Review 08.10.2017 www.tradeuniquecars.com.au,, accessed 5 October 2019
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