The Jaguar SS1 stands as a reminder of how impressive the company’s trajectory must have looked back in the 1930s. Designed by William Lyons, whose achievements in the automotive industry are too numerous to list here, the SS1 represents the combination of luxury and performance that, while it sounds cliche, is truly what set the Jaguar brand apart from other high-end marques. It truly makes the current collapse of the modern-day brand even more tragic. This SS1 is also a bit of a tragedy in that it has been allowed to literally collapse in on itself, and it’s listed here on eBay for $39,500.
When the SS1 was introduced, Jaguar was truly in its formative years. The “SS” designation serves as a reminder that it was still more or less the Swallow Sidecar & Coachbuilding Company that built and marketed this car, but the subsequent metamorphosis into Jaguar often lumps the two together, especially with the Lyons connection. To me, the SS1 is significant for a variety of reasons, but it’s the design that still blows my mind decades later. For a car to so clearly transmit the aura of luxury and speed in one package is a rare achievement, and Lyons knocked it out of the park with the SS1. A tiny, cramped passenger compartment, short rear overhang, and outlandishly long hood made for a striking appearance that has withstood the rest of time.
When you peek inside a restored car, you’ll see he didn’t stop at the exterior when creating an identity that would serve Jaguar well. A genuine wood dash (we didn’t use faux garbage in those days), gorgeous instrumentation, richly appointed seats, and all manners of high-end touches made it an environment you looked forward to spending time in. While I’m not an expert on the economics of the era, it’s often been said that Jaguar was a pioneer of sorts in providing drivers with a high-end experience, coupled with impressive performance, at a price point better than most other marques in the same category. Today, the market seems a bit unpredictable as to what it feels an early SS1 is valued at, with some recent sales showing restored or nicely preserved examples selling for just over the seller’s asking price.
Here’s a Bring A Trailer listing from 2025, where a similar car in seemingly excellent condition sold for $66,000. In the pandemic bubble of 2022, one sold at Broad Arrow for a staggering $224,000! That’s quite a spread, but I have a feeling sub-$100,000 is going to be the norm as vehicles of this era slowly start to lose the bulk of their enthusiast following. Personally, I believe a model with a significant designer and role in the formation of an iconic brand should always be sought after, but that’s a subjective take. This SS1 will require extensive restoration to return to roadgoing use – likely in the neighborhood of $80,000 – $100,000 if using a specialist to oversee repairs – so it’s likely best suited for a DIY restoration to hedge against market fluctuations.
Let me apologize again to our British cousins, spirit of hartshorn is available to those who may need it, who hopefully have recovered from the forlorn E type a while back. Just curious, mates, would this sort of thing happen in England? An undeniably treasured automobile, reduced to this? It looks like that old sway back horse out to pasture. I can understand how it got to Cal., but how could it get like this, unless used in a Hollywood hack demolition scene,,,and you know, it very well could have. Producers have no conscience when it comes to that. I was so upset, I had to bring up an image of what a nice one looks like,,,pass the “spirit” please,,
Yes it happens in England. I was station in England with the USAF in the 80s and seen these basket cases all the time. Jaguars, BMWs, Triumphs, etc. were all over Britain. Very very sad but no different then the colonies.
Optimistic seller.
The price and condition says keep on walking.
That seller just seems to put a number on their ads for a price. Seems like most of them find homes, so I guess you contact them and negotiate.
Why didn’t they clean the trash off the back end before taking photos?
Oh, wait a minute… never mind.
Hehehe… This is a joke, right?
Gullwing Motors. I knew that before I looked at the listing.
My wife used to go to conferences in NYC. I’d do something by myself. Once I took the Staten Island ferry and then rode my bike to Martin Scorsese’s grave.
Always wanted to go to Gullwing Motors just to have a look around.
That left front tire looks little iffy-I don’t think I’d trust it on the drive home!
This just hurts to look at. How can a what once was a beautiful classic Jaguar become like this? The provobial sat under a tree with a tarp on it for 4 decades syndrome. If someone restores this one…. It will truly be a labor of love.
Wood framework bodies end up like this at times. Ship it to Marcels, have them make a aluminum framework and reinstall to skins
More like a Black FLAG barn find!
I have bid on two Gullwing cars at a price that allowed me to restore the car to driving and cars and coffee appearance. They rebid 10% off their listed price that was almost 80% above market. Do they ever sell anything? I would bid on this if I thought I had a chance of getting the offer accepted. But then why beat my head against a concrete building?
When they do sell something the profit margin keeps them going. I
think they offered a friend about 80% less than market for an E type and a Mercedes 600.
Gullwing Motors pricing in effect.
Nothing, a little BonAmi couldn’t fix!😳🤣
39K for a few good parts, a pile of scrap metal and a title (if there is one)! I’ll pass! I once went to look at a few Bugeye Sprites a guy had. They had been sitting in the dirt for over twenty years. There was nothing, literally nothing below the doors sills and he wanted big money!! it also reminds me of the anecdote of the the guy selling apples for $500 apiece! He said, “I only have to sell one!”
pull the black plates and leave it.
Forgive my ignorance, but what is so special about black California plates?
Nothing anymore. Now that you can specify a black plate. In California, the plate stays with the car. Not the owner. So a black plate signified originality.
Gullwing sucks, imo.
Thanks I needed a good laugh this morning!
Thank Howard A–no one cracks me up like he does!
Guess the seller is a firm believer of “You miss every shot you don’t take” and took this shot from across the court! 😂😂😂😂😂. $39k seriously? I’m about to ask him/her what meds she/he is on.
Does it have toggle or rocker switches?
Looks like the car Cruella de Vil would drive. Do you have room for 101 Dalmatians?
YIKES!
Hello from Tyrol, I could offer two rear wheels in the correct size with spinners and brakes! So if the person taking on that project is interested, please leave message.
This car has original engine,transmission and lot’s of original parts. Somebody will step up and restore this piece of British automotive history. This car is extremely rare and deserves to be on the lawn at Pebble Beach,then sit in a museum. It’s not always about the money. I agree that the new owner could easily get underwater. Jaguar is so close to shutting their doors forever. People just don’t want a car anymore,they want a SUV or crossover. Jaguar’s new car had better be a hit or they will be gone. I worked for JLR for over 18 plus years,it’s sad they are in the position they are, the glory years might be gone.