Jaguar Car Club of Victoria

The SS1 Tourer, an open version of the coupe, was effectively Lyons' first sports car. Just 2 years later in March 1936 a new 2 seater, the SS90 was introduced. A true sports car shape had been developed still using the SS1 chassis. It looked like it was doing 90mph while it stood still!

Up to this stage the original SS1 more was still used albeit using a high-lift camshaft and other modifications and better axle ratios. Never satisfied with previous success, Lyons' desire to be at the cutting edge of design and performance was clearly evident at the launching of the SS90.

However 90mph was not satisfactory and after months in development, William Heynes and his team built an o.h.v six-cylinder push-rod engine. The prototype was a 2663.7cc capacity and developed 102 b.h.p. When bored-out to 3.5 litres, it developed 120 b.h.p. Lyons always kept in mind the selling price of his cars, by using standard size components etc., and by leaving the motor assembly to 'Standards' he was able to produce a most reliable new motor at a bargain price.
Two versions were produced 2.5l and the famous 3.5l. The 2.5l was able to reach 94mph with the 3.5l the magical 100mph. The SS90 suddenly became the SS100. This magnificent car was to become the quintessential English sports car.