1939 SS Jaguar 1.5 litre Drophead Coupe | Reeman Dansie Auction | 20th Jun, 2026

• Reg. no. FXE 374
• Chassis no. 56493.

Believed one of only eighteen survivors worldwide and owned since 1963. A beautiful multi-prize-winning, well-cared for example with extensive history and benefiting from a unique long-term ownership and very rare.

This very special SS Jaguar was bought by Peter Pearson from a work colleague in September 1963 for £15. It was his first car which he has owned and loved for the last sixty three years . Nicknamed 'Felix' by Peter, this beautiful car has been restored by him and enthusiastically driven by him all over the country. Peter has been a member of the Jaguar Drivers Club (JDC) for 60 years this year. In 1971, he was asked by Jaguar Cars to loan Felix to the Company for an exhibition in Coventry from May to September 1972 at the Herbert Museum. Sir William Lyons had specifically asked for a drop head to be included, and Felix was the only one known to be still roadworthy at that time. On the opening night, Peter met Sir William and Lady Lyons, with her commenting' 'look William, that one is just like the one we went to France in 1939' and Sir William replying 'that's why I got Whyte (Andrew Whyte the PRO of Jaguar Cars) to get one here'. Peter was very chuffed to have met Felix's legendary maker, who was very complimentary about the car.

Over the years, Peter has attended over 200 shows, and Felix has won numerous prizes and has been the subject of many magazine articles befitting its rarity and background story. Over the last 63 years, Felix has been restored several times and had a post-war, fully rebuilt Jaguar MK IV 1.5 litre engine block fitted some years ago. Peter kept the original engine, which is included in the sale along with a large quantity of original spares, including new wings, gearbox, axle, prop shaft, radiator and shell and windscreen (a list of which is available to view). It is believed Felix is one of six hundred and sixty-six 1.5 litre SS Jaguar dropheads built between 1938-1939, and there are only 18 known survivors, of which Felix must be one of the best known in Jaguar circles. A unique opportunity is a phrase much overused, but in this case, well justified. Peter is now in his 88th year and reluctantly has decided to sell his first car after 63 years (and will make a profit on his £15 investment) in the hope that the new owner will derive as much motoring pleasure from it as he has and will continue to preserve this beautiful 1930s Jaguar icon. As expected, Felix is supplied with a large history file including a written account from Peter about his ownership, numerous magazine articles about the car, a quantity of spares, including the original engine and photographs of the car throughout his ownership. (Subject to 12% buyers' premium inclusive of VAT).

Estimate

£45,000 - £55,000

Buyer's premium: 30%; Cars & Motorcycles: 12%