From the very beginning of the automobile man built cars to compete, with a passion for speed and technology. These innovators are in an elite club, their place in automotive history guaranteed as the creators of true classic sports cars, genuine thoroughbreds.
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 such as Le Mans 24 Hours.
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.
Part Two of this prewar market guide will feature more of these exciting cars, their founders and designers such as Archibald Frazer Nash of AFN and Sir William Lyons of Jaguar.
Today these prewar masterpieces are highly sought after by the sophisticated collector.
They and their current owners are often invited to partake in the most prestigious historic racing venues worldwide. The Le Mans 24 Hour Classic, Mille Miglia Storica, Monaco Historique Grand Prix and the Targa Florio are but a few examples of these events.
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.
Frazer Nash TT – Chain Gang
Archibald Frazer Nash was a mechanical engineer who, with his friend, Ron Godfrey, formed the automotive company GN in 1910. GN produced a simple cycle car from 1910–1914, when WWI started. To aid in the war effort, GN made ammunition. After WWI, automotive production resumed. By 1927, the company AFN LTD (Archibald Frazer Nash) was formed. AFN LTD was to leave its mark in the English automotive scene for decades to come. The Fazer Nash TT – Chain Gang was its most successful pre-war car. The TT—named after its success in the Tourist Trophy—was light, had good roadholding and enjoyed great competition success. It was an open two-seater, powered by four- and six-cylinder, water-cooled, 1.5-liter, overhead valve engines by Anzani, Gough and Meadows. Peak power in the latest engine was 80 bhp. The suspension was with front and rear leaf springs and beam axle. It weighed 1800 pound. The transmission was by a chain drive, however, the name “chaing gang” referred more to the Frazer Nash braintrust who built the car. About 350 cars were built from 1924–1939. After WWII, AFN became the Porsche importer for Britain.
1938 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Liter
Sir William Lyons started designing and building motorcycle sidecars in the mid 1920s with his neighbor, William Walmsley. Their company was called Swallow Sidecars 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 sidecars to coachbuilt cars. In 1936 Lyons penned the SS100—a two-seater sports model that 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 100 mph. Only 118 cars were built. Due to the politics of the time with the German paramilitary 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 |
