In
September 1935 SS launched their most advanced and significant new car, the
first to carry the name Jaguar, though then not as the brand but as a model
name - the SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon.Standard
manufactured a new chassis to SS design and a Standard 6-cylinder engine was
re-engineered by Harry Weslake to an overhead valve design, which Standard then
manufactured specifically for SS. The rolling chassis was mated to a stylish
four-door body, for sale at a very modest £385. To accompany this new model, SS
also produced a smaller engined 1 1/2 litre 4-cylinder saloon using an existing
Standard engine, priced at £295.
With
the introduction of the SS Jaguars, all other car production ceased except for
the SS1 Tourer, now produced under the SS Jaguar name.
Initially
built using traditional methods of alloy and steel panels laid across an ash
wooden framework, by 1938 SS moved over to all steel body production, at the
same time increasing the model range to include a 3 1/2 litre version of the
6-cylinder engine. The company also produced a range of two-door drop head
coupe models based on the same cars.
At this
time the company produced their first true sports car named the SS Jaguar 100.
Using a shortened version of the saloon chassis with the choice of either 2 1/2
or 3 1/2 litre engines, and rakish two-seater open bodywork, the car was
built in very small numbers, and the model was discontinued with the advent of
the war.
Production
of the saloons and drop heads continued after the war, by which time the name
of the company and the cars had been changed to Jaguar because of the perceived
concern over the use of the insignia SS.
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