1937 SS 100 Jaguar 2½-Litre Roadster: The Birth of a Legend

The 1937 SS 100 Jaguar 2½-Litre Roadster is one of the most important early sports cars produced by SS Cars Ltd of Coventry.

Introduced in 1936, the SS 100 was the first model to carry the “Jaguar” name and helped establish the company’s sporting reputation. Powered by a 2.7-litre straight-six engine producing around 100 horsepower, the lightweight two-seater could reach nearly 95 mph. With its long bonnet, sweeping fenders, and elegant open-top design, the SS 100 combined performance with striking pre-war styling.

Only a limited number were built before World War II interrupted production, making surviving examples highly prized today. The car remains a landmark model that marked the beginning of the Jaguar sports car legend. These photos capture the elegant lines and sporting character of the 1937 SS 100 Jaguar 2½-Litre Roadster, a true icon of pre-war British motoring.