1972 Intermeccanica Squire SS100 Replica (LHD)

Description

Made by SS Cars Ltd of Coventry, the SS100 was a stylish two-seat sports roadster built between 1936 and 1939, replacing the earlier SS90 of 1935.  Initially using a shortened version of the 2 ½-litre Saloon chassis and an overhead valve version of the Standard pushrod motor fed by twin SU carburettors, the 2 ½-litre SS100 had 100 horsepower on tap and a top speed approaching 100 mph.  The engine was enlarged to 3 ½-litres in 1938, raising the power output to 125 horsepower.  Built in extremely limited numbers, the SS100 is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cars built in the 1930s and founder Sir William Lyons added the Jaguar ‘leaper’ mascot for the first time.  The SS100 also enjoyed a successful competition career, particularly in long distance trials and rallies.  Needless to say the ‘100’ is now the most coveted pre-war model built by SS Cars and values have skyrocketed in recent years, one even selling in excess of a million dollars.  Consequently there have been numerous replicas built over the years, including the Intermeccanica Squire SS-100.  Commissioned by Edward Felbin of Auto Sport Importers Inc. of Philadelphia, PA, only fifty Squires were made by Costruzione Automobili Intermeccanica in the late 1960s and early 1970s, all destined for the American market.  Using a bespoke ladder-frame chassis and reliable Detroit underpinnings from Ford, the engine was a 250-cid Ford in-line six mated to either a four-speed manual or C4 automatic transmission, with Fiat front and rear leaf springs, Ford A-arms, shock absorbers and a 9” read end.  Clothed in a fibreglass body with a chromed radiator shell, along with 72-spoke Dunlop “knock off” wires and hydraulic brakes, along with Lucas electrics and Italian instruments.  Only three colours were available – red, white and yellow – with the interiors all trimmed in black vinyl.  There is an active registry for the Squire SS-100 and they rarely come up for sale.