1938 Jaguar SS 100 3 1/2 Litre

The Today show is one of the cornerstones of New York City, a program that originally welcomed New Yorkers, and eventually the rest of the nation, to the world as it was happening in real time. It was where news stories broke and, for many, the fuel that kickstarted the day. The institution began in 1952 with Dave Garroway as its original host – and an original owner of this very SS 100. His balance of seriousness and down-to-earth manner earned him the nickname “The Communicator.” Garroway’s success on screen followed an equally successful radio career, which began in 1938. He was not so much a car collector as an enthusiast, and in this respect, he was among the first prominent celebrities to champion old cars. When this SS 100 became available in 1948, it proved irresistible to Garroway. This SS 100 also began its career in 1938, delivered on September 20th as part of the second series of cars, which featured an enlarged 3 1/2-litre powerplant. It was originally supplied finished in Gunmetal Grey with Silver interior, and sold new to H.P. Terry of England, with the registration “CNP 947.” Mr. Terry immediately raced the car in a Jaguar-sponsored event, where it placed 1st, marking the beginning of the car’s illustrious race history. After acquiring the SS 100, Mr. Garroway soon repainted the car off-white and enlisted Stanley “Wacky” Arnolt to fit the engine with a Roots blower, which may have overstretched it. In 1951, the car developed mechanical problems and the original 3 1/2-litre engine was retired. Mr. Garroway then persuaded Jaguar to send him what was reportedly the first independently sold DOHC XK 120 engine from England as a replacement. Requiring some bespoke adjustments, the new engine was fitted along with racing camshafts, twin H8 SU sandcast carburetors, and special ported and polished manifolds, which together facilitated a top speed of 118 mph. Interestingly, this period switch was also carried out by Arnolt. Between 1949 and 1952, Mr. Garroway raced the car and built an impressive competition history. In 1954, he purchased six full alligator skins and covered the seats, steering wheel, and dash in the rich brown hide. After 30 years under Mr. Garroway’s care, the SS 100 passed to Steve Sim Roberts, a prominent collector of the marque and specifically this model, in 1978. Roberts also kept the car for nearly 30 years, during which time he exhaustively chronicled its history, sourcing more than 70 articles and features on the car, which accompany the sale. At the end of Roberts’ tenure, the SS 100 returned to the UK in 2007 for a brief sojourn before coming back to America in 2016. It still retained its Garroway-era color scheme and, by then, was bearing the patina of considerable use. Its next custodian was another television personality, Wayne Carini, presenter of Chasing Classic Cars, the automotive “Antiques Roadshow.” Under Carini’s care, the car underwent an extensive restoration at his own facility, receiving its current black over tan color scheme and a replacement interior trimmed in tan alligator-print leather. The SS 100 subsequently passed to the consignor and, following its refurbishment, has been presented at a number of events, including the Concours d’Elegance of America in 2021 and this year’s Highlands Motoring Festival in North Carolina, where its handsome appearance and throaty engine note proved especially popular with spectators. An important model in the development of Jaguar’s sporting identity, this SS 100 is distinguished not only by its remarkable celebrity provenance, but also by its deeply rooted connection to America and, in particular, New York City. car

Estimate:$475,000

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