Skip advert
Advertisement

Jaguar SS1 Airline

Built between: 1934-1936, Number sold: 624, cool cat rating: 4/5

Jaguar

Jaguar’s heritage stretches back to 1922, and the birth of the Swallow Sidecar Company. Amazingly, it took less than a decade for this rapidly expanding firm to grow from humble beginnings to launch a breakthrough car.

Having wowed the crowds at its debut at the Mayfair Hotel in London in 1931, the SS1 established itself as a vehicle to rival the best that Alvis and Bentley could offer. With its sweeping wingline and high-class cabin, it was a fine effort.

It debuted as a coupé, but several different bodystyles were quickly added to the SS1 line-up – the most famous being the SS100 sports car below. But it was the saloon, which we’ve pictured here, that really kept the order books busy. The stunning example in our pictures is the Airline model. Its covered spare wheels and streamlined form reflected the art deco style of the day, and it was produced from 1934 to 1936, during which time only 624 were made.

Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons wasn’t a fan of this model’s looks and the Airline was attributed to the influence of William Walmsley – Lyon’s original partner, who would soon leave the firm. Nonetheless, it’s now regarded as the most striking of all the SS1 bodystyles.

By the outbreak of World War II, SS had sold 20,000 cars, and it emerged from the conflict in good health. By then, the unsavoury connections of the company’s SS initials required a change – and in February 1945, it became Jaguar Cars.

Details

WHY: Saloon set blueprint for firm.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,679 off RRP*Used from £12,299
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £38,030Avg. savings £3,183 off RRP*Used from £30,799
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £3,066 off RRP*Used from £15,500
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,966 off RRP*Used from £12,295
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Land Rover Defender Sport: electric Freelander successor has the BMW iX3 in its crosshairs
New baby Land Rover Defender render - watermarked

New Land Rover Defender Sport: electric Freelander successor has the BMW iX3 in its crosshairs

The new Land Rover Defender Sport is set to sit below the existing Defender in the Land Rover range, with our exclusive images previewing how it could…
News
12 Oct 2025
New Leapmotor B10 2025 review: budget brand's best EV yet
Leapmotor B10 - front action

New Leapmotor B10 2025 review: budget brand's best EV yet

The new Leapmotor B10 is a serious player in the small electric SUV sector, boasting good range, plenty of kit and a tempting price tag
Road tests
14 Oct 2025
Car Deal of the Day: fully-loaded VW Passat PHEV for £235 a month seems like crazy value
Volkswagen Passat Estate UK - front action

Car Deal of the Day: fully-loaded VW Passat PHEV for £235 a month seems like crazy value

The Passat has been a family favourite for decades – and the latest model is no different. It’s our Deal of the Day for October 13.
News
13 Oct 2025