Found a super rare book Jaguar SS 100 by Yoshiro Matsuda published in 1981. Let’s take a look at this gem!
This book is next to impossible to find. It’s just Yoshiro Matsuda sharing his passion towards the timeless Jaguar SS 100 for the world to enjoy.
The Jaguar SS 100 was a gorgeous roadster. It was the first car to carry the Jaguar name and the eventual leaping cat on it’s bonnet circa 1937. Jaguar wouldn’t be a standalone marque until 1945 hence why the SS name stood; Swallow Sidecars is the predecessor to the Jaguar we all know and love.
The Jaguar SS 100 roadster was aptly named ‘100' since it’s theoretical top speed is 100 mph. The 3 1/2 Litre straight-6 variant was able to pull that off with a max speed of 101 mph and a 0-60 time of 10.4 seconds. Mind you this was in 1938.
This car is rare. 198 2 1/2 Litre models and 116 3 1/2 Litre models were ver made. Only 48 were exported around the world.
“The SS embraces no enclosed space. As with other sportscars from that epoch it represents, the driver must fit himself into a slim seat above which one of his arms will bulge out of the cockpit...”
“The driver’s field of vision includes the long engine hood with louvers, radiator mascot conical form of the large headlights, streamlined fenders and landscape. Which sportscar of the 1980s accords the driver the luxury of enjoying the beauty of its body while driving it?”
Restored 1937 chassis at the Peacock Gap Country Club concours d’ elegance August 1964.
It truly is a magnificent book that does this this car justice. Beautiful photography, author notes and vehicle specifications are found inside. I was shocked to have found it in the wild at a half-priced bookstore. This book is next to impossible to find and the one online bookstore I found it in stock wants over $115 for it. It’s a mix of English and Japanese script. The timeless Jaguar SS 100 is a wonderful machine that is as functional as it is beautiful.
Thanks for reading!