The 1934 SS One Tourer represents a fascinating chapter in British motoring history, combining sporting elegance, distinctive styling and exceptional character from an era when motoring was as much about prestige as it was about performance. Produced by SS Cars Ltd, the company that would eventually become Jaguar Cars, the SS One was among the models that helped establish the foundations of one of Britain’s most celebrated automotive marques. With its sweeping front guards, long bonnet, prominent chrome radiator grille and beautifully proportioned open coachwork, the SS One Tourer remains a striking example of pre-war British automotive design.

Introduced during a period when SS Cars was rapidly establishing a reputation for offering stylish, well-appointed motor cars at remarkably competitive prices, the SS One combined traditional engineering with an unmistakably sporting appearance. Powered by a Standard-supplied six-cylinder engine, the model offered refined touring capabilities and comfortable open-air motoring. Its elegant lines, wire-spoked wheels, folding hood and carefully considered detailing reflected the growing sophistication of British coachbuilding during the early 1930s, while its distinctive appearance gave it a presence normally associated with considerably more expensive motor cars.

Today, the 1934 SS One Tourer is an increasingly rare and highly desirable survivor from the formative years of the Jaguar story. Its significance extends well beyond its attractive appearance, representing an important link between the early Swallow Sidecar Company, the emergence of SS Cars and the eventual introduction of the Jaguar name in 1935. For collectors and enthusiasts, these early SS motor cars offer a particularly rewarding ownership experience, combining genuine historical importance, traditional craftsmanship and the unmistakable charm of pre-war open-top motoring.

The 1934 SS One represents an important chapter in British motoring history, originating from the formative years of SS Cars Ltd, the company that would eventually become Jaguar Cars.

Combining distinctive pre-war styling with traditional British craftsmanship, these early SS motor cars helped establish a reputation for elegance, sporting character and exceptional value. Their sweeping guards, long bonnets and imposing radiator grilles would influence the design language of later SS and Jaguar models, making them an important part of the marque’s remarkable heritage.

This particular example, manufactured on 5 April 1934, has an especially interesting history. Originally constructed as an SS saloon, the car was subsequently converted into an open four-seat Tourer, giving it the elegant proportions and open-air character associated with British sporting motor cars of the 1930s. While not an original factory-bodied Tourer, this custom-built example captures much of the charm and visual appeal of the period, with its flowing coachwork, prominent chrome detailing, wire wheels and traditional folding hood arrangement.

For many years, this SS One formed part of the collection at the Monterey Park Classic & Vintage Car Museum in Hobsonville, Auckland, where it was displayed as an example of early British motoring heritage. Its history is supported by a Heritage Certificate, Certificate of Registration and a collection of historical and maintenance records. Such documentation provides an important connection to the car’s origins and subsequent life, particularly with motor cars approaching a century in age.

Finished in an attractive grey colour scheme, the car presents with an understated elegance that suits its period styling beautifully. The open four-seat configuration makes it particularly appealing for leisurely outings, vintage motoring events and special occasions. This is not a motor car intended for hurried journeys or modern motorway performance, but rather one to be enjoyed at a more relaxed pace, where the mechanical character, open-air experience and unmistakable presence of a pre-war British classic can be fully appreciated.

Vehicle Highlights & Provenance

• 1934 SS One – Custom-Built Four-Seat Tourer

• Chassis Number: 247691

• Date of Manufacture: 5 April 1934

• Original Distributor: Henlys, London, England

• Originally manufactured as an SS saloon and subsequently converted into Tourer configuration.

• Heritage Certificate available, documenting the vehicle’s original factory details.

• Original Certificate of Registration available.

• Accompanied by additional historical documentation and maintenance records.

• Formerly owned by and exhibited at the Monterey Park Classic & Vintage Car Museum, Hobsonville, Auckland.

• An attractive example of traditional pre-war British coachwork and styling.

• Distinctive sweeping front guards, prominent radiator grille and period chrome detailing.

• Traditional wire-spoked wheels complementing the car’s sporting appearance.

• Open four-seat configuration offering an enjoyable vintage touring experience.

• Supplied with a brand-new, never-used soft top and matching side curtains.

• Odometer records mileage in miles.

• A particularly interesting vehicle for collectors, enthusiasts and admirers of early Jaguar history.

Historical Significance & Collectability

Surviving SS One motor cars are relatively uncommon today, particularly when compared with the better-known post-war Jaguars. Their significance lies not simply in their age or appearance, but in their place within the evolution of one of Britain’s most celebrated automotive manufacturers. The SS One helped establish the company’s identity during the early 1930s, preceding the introduction of the Jaguar name in 1935 and the subsequent emergence of the legendary SS Jaguar 100.

Although this particular motor car has undergone a later conversion from saloon to Tourer coachwork, it retains the historical interest associated with its original 1934 SS chassis and mechanical heritage. Its custom-built configuration also provides an opportunity to enjoy the visual appeal and open-air motoring experience of a pre-war Tourer, while recognising its individual history rather than presenting it as a factory-original example.

For the discerning enthusiast, this 1934 SS One offers something increasingly difficult to find: a distinctive, historically interesting pre-war British motor car with documented provenance, a connection to New Zealand’s classic motoring heritage and considerable visual presence. Whether destined for a private collection, occasional vintage motoring or simply to be admired as an example of early British automotive craftsmanship, it represents a fascinating link to the origins of Jaguar.

An elegant reminder of an era when motoring was an occasion in itself, and the journey was every bit as important as the destination.

Early SS motor cars occupy a fascinating and increasingly specialised segment of the international collector car market. As important predecessors to the Jaguar marque, they enjoy particular appeal among enthusiasts who appreciate British automotive history, traditional coachbuilding and the elegance of pre-war motoring. Surviving examples are relatively scarce, with desirability influenced by originality, coachwork, provenance, mechanical condition and documented history. Factory-original open Tourers generally command a premium over saloon models, reflecting their sporting appearance and relative rarity. Custom-built examples, such as this 1934 SS One, offer much of the visual appeal and enjoyment of an open Tourer, although their market values must be assessed separately from those of factory-bodied cars. The availability of a Heritage Certificate, historical documentation and evidence of long-term museum ownership adds interest and helps establish the individual history of this particular vehicle.

From a market perspective, values for SS One models vary considerably, reflecting the small number of transactions and differences between individual vehicles. Looking ahead, early SS motor cars have qualities that support their long-term collectibility: historical significance, limited surviving numbers, distinctive styling and a direct connection to Jaguar’s origins. While appreciation can never be guaranteed, and the market for pre-war vehicles remains relatively specialised, a well-maintained and properly documented example offers the prospect of lasting collector appeal, combining the enjoyment of ownership with the potential for long-term value retention.

New Zealand Sales
Unless otherwise stated, vehicles sold for use in New Zealand will be supplied with a new Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and 12 months New Zealand registration at the time of sale.

Transport & Shipping
New Zealand transport and worldwide shipping can be arranged on the Buyer’s behalf and at the Buyer’s cost and risk. Any freight, shipping, insurance, customs charges, duties, taxes, import costs, certification or compliance costs are the responsibility of the Buyer unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Export Sales
For vehicles purchased for export, the Buyer is responsible for determining and satisfying all import, registration, certification, compliance, tax and regulatory requirements applicable in the destination country.

Viewing
All vehicle inspections and viewings are strictly by appointment only.

Applicable Law
All sales are subject to applicable New Zealand law. Nothing in these Conditions of Sale excludes or limits any statutory rights or obligations that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

For more information about this vehicle, please contact us Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 6:00pm (New Zealand Standard Time) on +64 (0) 3 310-6485. Alternatively, you may email us at [email protected] anytime, or contact us through the form below.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak.

NOTIFICATION AS TO NATURE OF GOODS IN TERMS OF THE CONSUMER GUARANTEES ACT 1993

Waimak Group Ltd is a New Zealand registered company and accepts that the vehicle being sold must be of “acceptable quality” in terms of section 7 of the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (the Act) having regard to “the nature of the goods”. Waimak Group Ltd is not aware of any specific defects with the vehicle, however (a) such a vehicle being a classic vehicle may have mechanical breakdowns, electrical failures at inconvenient times and maintenance costs being part of and parcel of ownership of a classic vehicle; (b) reliability is a combination of the particular nature of the classic vehicle, how it is being driven, how it has been maintained, and to a certain extent luck; (c) because of the age of the vehicle, and its propensity to rust, it is likely that the vehicle would have been fully or partially restored, or at least repainted at some point in its life, maybe even more than once. Waimak Group Ltd does not know, and cannot give advice on how good any restoration work on the vehicle had been.

The Purchaser acknowledges that the vehicle is being sold as a classic car; that in terms of the Act and the nature of the goods, the vehicle is an old car, bike or boat, that may have visual and hidden faults, unlike a new motor vehicle.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak Group Ltd.

The Purchaser acknowledges that they have read and fully understand this notification and the nature of a car which is many years old.