Jaguar SS 1
The car with the £1,000 look for a fraction of the price.
- Power
- 62 bhp
- Top speed
- 75 mph
- Est. value
- $50k–$135k
About the Jaguar SS 1
The SS 1 was the first complete car produced by the Swallow Coachbuilding Company, the firm that would eventually become Jaguar. Designed by William Lyons, it was celebrated for its exceptionally long bonnet and low-slung stance, achieved through a bespoke underslung chassis supplied by the Standard Motor Company. While its side-valve engine offered modest performance compared to its exotic looks, the SS 1 established the brand's reputation for offering high-style luxury at an attainable price point. It remains a cornerstone of Jaguar history, representing the transition from coachbuilder to manufacturer.
Jaguar SS 1 specs
The Jaguar SS 1 produces 62 bhp (46 kW). It has a top speed of 75 mph (121 km/h).
| Make | Jaguar |
|---|---|
| Model | SS 1 |
| Trim | 2.5 |
| Years | 1932–1936 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 4,200 built |
| Engine | 2.6-litre side-valve inline-six |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,552 cc (2.6 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 62 bhp (46 kW) at 3,600 rpm |
| Top speed | 75 mph (121 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,040 kg (2,293 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 60 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Jaguar SS 1 worth?
A typical Jaguar SS 1 is estimated to be worth $50,000 – $135,000 (about £37,000 – £101,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Jaguar SS 1 rarity in CarSpot
The Jaguar SS 1 is an Epic card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 71 out of 100. Supercars and serious performance cars, typically worth around £100,000 to £250,000. An Epic card is worth 80 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Jaguar SS 1 fun facts
- The SS 1 was famously marketed as 'the car with the £1,000 look', despite actually costing just £310 at launch.
- William Lyons developed the car's signature low profile while recovering from appendicitis; his partner had originally tried to raise the roof for more headroom.
- The 106mm stroke of the SS 1's engine became a hallmark of Jaguar six-cylinder engines, remaining in use for over 50 years.
