Lot details
Registration No: EU-Reg
Chassis No: 56603
Mot Expiry: Exempt

Introduced in 1938, the SS Jaguar 1.5 Litre Drophead Coupe benefited from a new 1776cc OHV four-cylinder engine, steel bodywork support frame and wonderfully elegant styling. Comfortably outsold by its Saloon sibling, just 650 or so are thought to have been made. One of only six survivors known to Jaguar Drivers' Club Registrar Allan Crouch, chassis 56603 was completed on May 18th 1939 and supplied new via Wales & Edwards Ltd of Shrewsbury. Migrating to Cheshire several decades later, the four-seater was sold by Plus 4 Motors to Mr G. Angus of Western Australia in January 1985. After journeying to the Southern Hemisphere, the Drophead Coupe was entrusted to marque specialist Fonte Motors Jaguar for a `chassis up' bodywork restoration, while attention was also paid to its engine, wiring, chrome plating and kingpins etc. Returning to Fonte Motors in 1994 for a steering box overhaul, new front wheel bearings and further engine work etc, chassis 56603 was subsequently acquired by Hans Comptor of New Zealand who commissioned Crawford Motor Trimmers to rejuvenate its interior with new door cards, side trims and carpets (though, pleasingly the seats' original red leather upholstery was left alone). Stored in a ventilated / heated garage since entering the current Belgian ownership during 2003, the four-seater is understood to have had `lots of improvements over the years'. Despatched to marque specialist Davenport Cars Ltd in November 2012 for a new clutch pressure plate, gearbox repair, service and fresh exhaust system, other recent fettling has seen the four-seater treated to a professional partial repaint. Described by the vendor as being in `good' order with regard to its correct-type but post-WW2 engine, electrical equipment, gearbox and interior trim, this well-travelled and very rare 1.5 Litre Drophead Coupe is offered for sale with JDHT Certificate, assorted copy bills, sundry restoration photos and old (defunct) UK number plates.