The world of Volkswagen Beetle-based kit cars is seemingly as vast as the ocean itself. While we know the Kelmarks and Bradleys and even the Mercedes-Benz SSK replicas are out there, the Jaguar SS100 replica is a harder car to find. The seller claims this recently unearthed example was used for parades back in the 1980s but was parked midway through the decade until about two years ago. It now runs and drives and still looks fairly presentable. You’ll find it here on craigslist for $6,000 near Knoxville.
I’m honestly not sure what to think about the price. Now, hear me out: I realize cars like this trade hands for modest sums all day long. But if you’re a kit car connoisseur, you likely don’t see the Jaguar SS replica all that often. I believe at one time they were fairly commonplace, but those days are gone. I can still recall seeing the advertisements in car magazines to buy your own kit to assemble at home, right next to the fake Porsche Speedster. You simply don’t see them that much anymore, and this one appears to be in fairly decent shape. The interior is even well preserved.
Of course, no matter what your preferences are, you have to live with the humble VW powerplant. That’s just table stakes in the kit car game. This replica was originally built in the 1970s on a 1972 Beetle chassis. Given that was some time ago, the seller has reconditioned the car to a fair extent. Recent work includes a new battery; cleaned fuel tank; all new fuel lines; a rebuilt carb; new fuel pump; new brake lines, brakes, brake master cylinder and brake light switch; a new clutch, pressure plate, throw out bearing and flywheel turned; and new ball joints and tires. No wonder he’s asking $6K!
The hind quarters are distinctive enough that I can forgive the humble roots; at least the original designer didn’t stop working after they concocted the front end. The rear bumper is hideous, however, and I would be sorely tempted to spend the money and build a custom chrome piece to replace that fireman’s pole that is currently providing rear end crash protection. The seller confirms there’s no rust in the pan or heater channels, and the top is still sound, too. All it needs is a new driver – you?
Jag U are
Jag U Aren’t.
I often hear it as Jag Wire.
Neat kit car seems to be fairly well preserved.
That is horrendous. But I guess it would be fun to cruise around in for awhile for the price.
No thanks, not at any price.
Anything involving VW, especially the Beetle… no thanks !!!!
I too remember these kits from the ’80s. One thing we need to establish right away is that this isn’t a “replica” of an SS (make) Jaguar 100 (model). The real thing from the late ’30s had 18 inch wire wheels and very different body proportions. What this is, is an SS-inspired caricature of a real SS 100. If you want to look at an accurate replica, google the Suffolk SS Jaguar 100 replica. For those who may not know, prior to the Second World War William Lyons’ company was called SS. “Jaguar 100” was just the model name. After the war Lyons re-named his company “Jaguar” after the model name and ditched SS, because of the German SS’s reputation for murders and atrocities.
WOW! – you could buy this,& park it next to your “Bugatti”!