Jaguar SS100 Racing Green - A British Legend in model car
The green Jaguar SS100 Racing from Solido represents one of the most iconic models of British sports cars from the 1930s. This faithful 1/43 scale reproduction captures all the elegance and power of this legendary roadster, in its distinctive green racing livery.
This model car is a must-have for any collector passionate about classic cars, combining historical accuracy with Solido's renowned manufacturing quality.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: SS100 Racing
- Brand: Jaguar
- Year: 1936-1940
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Green
- Reference: Solido 4146
- Protective case included: Yes
The Jaguar SS100, birth of an icon
Launched in 1936 by SS Cars Limited, the SS100 marked the marque's dramatic entry into the world of high-performance sports cars. Designed by William Lyons, this revolutionary automobile offered exceptional performance at an affordable price, challenging established manufacturers like Bentley and Aston Martin.
The model was distinguished by its sculptural design with flowing lines, its long bonnet housing a 2.5-litre six-cylinder engine, then 3.5 litres from 1938. Capable of reaching over 160 km/h, the SS100 offered a remarkable power-to-weight ratio thanks to its lightweight chassis and aluminium body.
Production came to an abrupt halt in 1940 with the outbreak of World War II, with only 308 examples being built, making it one of the most sought-after Jaguars in the world today.
Jaguar in the 1930s: The Emergence of a Legend
In 1936, SS Cars Limited was experiencing a pivotal period in its history. Founded in 1922 by William Lyons and William Walmsley as the Swallow Sidecar Company, the company had gradually evolved into automobile manufacturing. The SS100 represented the culmination of this transformation, definitively affirming the brand's sporting identity.
This period also marks the beginnings of what would become Jaguar Cars in 1945. William Lyons, a brilliant visionary, already understood the importance of style in luxury automobiles. He surrounded himself with the best designers and engineers to create vehicles that combined beauty and performance, a philosophy that still characterizes the brand with the leaping feline today.
The SS100 was part of this bold strategy: to offer cars with performance worthy of the biggest brands, but at more democratic prices, thus revolutionizing the British motorsport market.
The SS100 Anecdote: When Elegance Defies War
Perhaps the most fascinating story of the Jaguar SS100 remains that of Ian Appleyard and his legendary "NUB 120." This 1948 example, although produced post-war, carried the DNA of the pre-war SS100. Appleyard, a British amateur driver, transformed this car into a true rally machine, notably winning the Alpine Rally three times in a row between 1950 and 1952.
What made this performance extraordinary was the striking contrast between the refined elegance of the SS100 and the brutality of the challenges it faced. Imagine this graceful silhouette hurtling down Alpine passes, its green bodywork glistening in the sun, tackling mountain roads with surprising agility for a car of that era.
The most amusing anecdote concerns the 1951 Monte Carlo Rally. Appleyard and his wife, Pat, a navigator, arrived at the start control dressed as if for a social event: he in a three-piece suit, she in an evening gown. This image of British distinction contrasted with the roughness of the other crews, but they finished brilliantly in the top 10, proving that elegance was not incompatible with performance.
This epic "NUB 120" contributed greatly to forging Jaguar's legendary reputation in competition, preparing the ground for future Le Mans victories with the C-Type, D-Type and other legends of the British brand.
Complete your collection of British model cars
This green Jaguar SS100 Racing occupies a privileged place in the world of collectible model cars. It perfectly represents the golden age of British motorsport, a period when British manufacturers dominated European circuits through their audacity and technical innovation.
For collectors passionate about foreign cars , this SS100 fits perfectly with other iconic models such as pre-war Aston Martins or Bentleys of the same era. It also finds its place alongside classics from the 1950s and 1970s , testifying to Jaguar's stylistic evolution.
This Solido model car will appeal to both seasoned collectors and enthusiasts discovering the world of 1/43 scale model cars . Its meticulous finish and historical authenticity make it an excellent entry point to legendary racing cars , inviting you to further explore the golden age of European sports cars.
