1935 S.S. 90 Prototype
Here is the first prototype raced by S.S. Cars Ltd. that would launch Sir William Lyon’s and Jaguar’s successful motor sport campaign. Later, both would go on to win LeMans as well as other races at the top level of international motor sport.
This S.S. 90 was an experimental short wheel base model built around a standard inline-6 that could produce roughly 90 bhp. The prototype was easily identified by its sweeping rear bodywork which was shortened for production.
In 1954, the car was upgraded with a genuine engine, mechanical brakes, hydraulic shock absorbers and retained its original registration ARW395.
The car debuted in the hands of Brian Lewis at the RAC Rallye. It later raced the 1935 Shelsley Walsh and placed 1st overall at the Scottish Rallye Concours d’Elegance and Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
In more recent times the car made an appearances at the 2000 Goodwood Festival of Speed, 2002 Villa d’Este Concours, 2007 Geneva Classics and 2009 Villa d’Este Councours.
In Detail
submitted by | Richard Owen |
engine | Standard Inline-6 |
position | Front Longitudinal |
aspiration | Natural |
valvetrain | 2 Side Vales per Cyl |
fuel feed | Twin Solex Carburettors |
displacement | 2663 cc / 162.5 in³ |
bore | 73 mm / 2.87 in |
stroke | 106 mm / 4.17 in |
compression | 7.2:1 |
power | 67.1 kw / 90 bhp |
specific output | 33.8 bhp per litre |
body / frame | Steel Body over Steel Standard Chassis |
driven wheels | RWD |
front brakes | Drums |
rear brakes | Drums |
steering | Worm & Nut |
f suspension | Solid Axle w/Semi Elliptic Leaf Springs, Hydrualic Shock Absorbers |
r suspension | Live Axle w/Semi Elliptic Leaf Springs, Hydrualic Shock Absorbers |
top speed | ~145 kph / 90.1 mph |