1941 Jaguar SS100 Roadster
- Engine
- 2.66L inline-six OHV, dual SU carburettors, ~102 bhp
- Colour
- White with red trim
Chassis 49061 is among the final six SS100 Jaguars delivered, despatched via Henly's of London in March 1941 and registered that October carrying its original 'GLB 300' plates. One of the most historically documented survivors of the model, it passed through a chain of notable custodians including American Ferrari pioneer Carl Avery Bross and long-term owner Dr Russell Atchison, during whose 34-year tenure it participated in SCCA events and was exhibited at the Henry Ford Museum. Numbers-matching throughout, it presents in excellent condition with an extensively documented history.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate €385,000 – €445,000
- 1941 → 1950Factory deliveryCaptain George David Rollinsonpartial documentation
Believed to be the original owner; first appears as registered keeper in the buff logbook from April 1950, though the car was dispatched new in 1941.
- 1950 → 1951-09-18Acquisition unknownReginald Rogerson Burtonpartial documentation
Held the car for roughly 15 months and clearly valued it; supplied period photographs showing original black bodywork with brown leather, and later corresponded warmly about it with a subsequent owner.
- 1951-09-18 → 1953Private saleRonald D. Hadleypartial documentation
Kept the car for approximately two years; his tenure is documented through letters exchanged with Grahame Bull.
- 1953 → 1989Private saleDr Russell Atchisonpartial documentation
The car's longest single custodian at 34 years; used it actively in SCCA events and road rallies, and lent it to the Henry Ford Museum for a two-year exhibition.
- 1953-07-01 → 1953Private saleCarl Avery Brosspartial documentation
An American student registered at London's Cavendish Hotel; had Jaguar carry out mechanical improvements and repainted the car white with red trim, then transported it to Michigan before quickly selling to fund another acquisition.
- 1989 →Private saleMr Shah of the Messenger Grouppartial documentation
Reimported the car to the UK and commissioned sympathetic mechanical and cosmetic restoration work through marque specialists.
- → 2012Acquisition unknownGrahame Bullfull documentation
A dedicated marque enthusiast who invested considerable effort researching the car's history, assembling three substantial files of period documentation that greatly enrich its provenance record.
- 2012 →Private saleCurrent ownerpartial documentation
Has used the car sparingly while spending several thousand pounds on upkeep; an RM Sotheby's representative drove the car and confirmed it performs very well.
Competition
- —SCCASCCA Time TrialsDriver: Dr Russell Atchison
Car was used by Atchison in SCCA-sanctioned timed events during his long ownership from the early 1950s onward.
- —SCCASCCA Road RalliesDriver: Dr Russell Atchison
Atchison also entered the car in road rally competition alongside the timed trials.
- —Henry Ford Museum 'Sports Cars in Review' Exhibition
Loaned by Atchison to the Henry Ford Museum between 1955 and 1957, where it was displayed alongside D-types and other notable competition machines.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1953MechanicalJaguar
Jaguar factory carried out mechanical work at the request of owner Carl Avery Bross; colour was also changed from black to white with red upholstery.
Work undertaken while the car was registered in London prior to being exported to Michigan.
- 1989Mechanical
Following reimportation to the UK, a range of sympathetic mechanical and cosmetic work was completed by specialist workshops on behalf of Mr Shah.
Described as considerate rather than radical in scope, with the aim of preserving the car's integrity.
- 2012Service
Current owner has spent several thousand pounds on routine maintenance while using the car lightly; an RM Sotheby's specialist confirmed the car performs well.
Work carried out between 2012 and the catalogue date; no single major intervention specified.
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