From the very beginning of the automobile, men with a passion for speed and technology built cars to compete. These innovators are in an elite club with their place in automotive history guaranteed as the creators of a true classic sports car, a genuine thoroughbred.
The development of the racing sports car can be traced to specific manufacturers who at one time in history dominated motor racing, in particular the world’s most challenging road races, such as the Mille Miglia, Targa Florio and endurance contests like the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The creation of an automobile that could win in international competition was usually the inspiration of one passionate man, an engineer, a genius who put all of his design and engineering skills toward his goals. Today these pre-war masterpieces are highly sought after by the sophisticated collector.
These cars and their current owners are often invited to partake in the most prestigious historic racing venues world wide. The Le Mans 24 Hour Classic, Mille Miglia Storica, Monaco Historique Grand Prix and the Targa Florio, to name but a few.
Due to the age of these cars and their racing heritage, their value is determined by their originality and provenance. Old cars built up from parts are not the same as true complete survivors. This reality often brings the remaining total down to less than 10 good surviving examples of a particular model.
1934 MG K3 Magnette
Morris Garages or MG was an automobile company owned by Sir William Morris. It was known for manufacturing small displacement sporty little cars. In 1932 Lord Howe, known for racing Alfa Romeos and Bugattis (who wished to race a competitive English built car) and Cecil Kimber MG Chief Engineer who believed racing cars improved the production car convinced William Morris that if he were to build a racing version of the MG Magnette Lord Howe would sponsor the team and race at the Millie Miglia. Morris who saw the benefit to the publicity gave the go ahead. Six months later the racing MG K3 Magnette finished the Millie Miglia 1-2 in the 1100cc class and winning the team prize, a first for a non Italian marque. The MG K3 won the Ulster RAC Tourist Trophy with Tazio Nuvolari driving in 1933 and went on the finish 4th overall at the Le Mans 24 hours in 1934. About 33 of these magnificent sports racing cars were produced. The K3 was the racing version and used a shorter chassis than the production car. It was an open two seater. The engine was a 1.1 liter inline 6 cylinder, a modified version of the Wolsely overhead camshaft design. With a supercharger they could produce 120 BHP. The K3 had a non-synchromesh preselector 4 speed gearbox with rear wheel drive. It was lightweight and nimble. It is considered the most important of all the MG racing cars. Another example of what the desires of a few can achieve in motorsports.
1938 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Liter
Sir William Lyons started designing and building motorcycle side cars in the mid 1920’s with his neighbor, William Walmsley. Their company was called Swallow Side Cars or “SS.” By 1927, this venture had evolved into the Swallow Car Company. The SS designation was well established, and Lyons had moved on from motorcycle side cars to coach-built cars. In 1936 Lyon’s penned the SS100 — a two-seater sports model, which would have great success in competitive touring and rallies and put the company on the map. This was to be the first true Lyons masterstroke in design. It was powered by a 3.5 liter in-line six cylinder engine, producing 125 bhp. The transmission was a four speed. The body was sleek and elegant with two large headlamps mounted independently to light the way. The SS100 went on to success in the Alpine Rally and the RAC Rally. It was the first production car capable of 100mph. Only 118 cars were built. Due to the politics of the time with the German para military police “SS” or “Schutz Staffel,” the Jaguar name was created. The Jaguar SS100 was a success in its day and is an example of Sir William Lyons genius. Today, the car is highly sought after for use in a variety of automotive events and as a true collector car.
Criteria Used For Assessing Valuations for this Guide:
- Degree of Originality
- Overall Condition, Restoration
- Technology, Design, Coachbuilder
- Production Numbers/Rarity
- Competition History
- Ownership History, Documentation
- Modern Event Eligibility
Regional Variances
The prices stated in this guide are based on U.S. values. The values of historic racing cars can vary as much as 25%-35% in other countries, depending on local market appeal, currency rates, import duties, and VAT. Most of the time, we are able to document known sales or closed escrows, as they say in real estate. When this is not possible, a logical estimate of the car’s value is given, based on its sales history and relationship to cars of its type.
The prices stated in this guide are based on U.S. values. The values of historic racing cars can vary as much as 25%-35% in other countries, depending on local market appeal, currency rates, import duties, and VAT.
LEVEL | VALUATION CATEGORIES |
|---|---|
I | The best combination of all criteria. |
II | Satisfies mid-range of criteria. |
III | In need of restoration. Meets only a few points of criteria |
