JD Classics are delighted to announce that one of the most exciting concours-winning vehicles we've prepared so far has been invited to compete at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
But is this SS100 the world’s most important incarnation of William Lyons’ two-seater open sports tourer? Chassis #2 is the world’s oldest surviving 3.5 litre SS100. And several key body parts are original. It may exist, but it’s difficult to imagine an SS100 that’s historically more significant, given the SS100’s legendary place in Jaguar’s esteemed history.
Faithfully restored by JD Classics with fantastic attention to detail over a two-year period, this SS100 now sits resplendent in mint condition, as if it has only just emerged from its 1938 production line yesterday.
And as if in acknowledgement of its special place in history, it’s been accepted to enter the 59th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Slated for Sunday, August 16, 2009 the Concours d’Elegance is the centerpiece of the Pebble Beach Automotive Weekend. The competition itself is an outdoor event that takes place at one of America’s most beautiful locations, the famed 18th fairway of Pebble Beach links golf course.
Pebble Beach nestles in the Del Monte Forest, amidst 5,300 acres on the coast of California’s Monterey Peninsula. The sea, the rugged coastline and the forest setting lend a spectacularly elegant backdrop to showcase some of the most magnificent automotive jewels the world has ever produced. Both the scenery and the vehicles are often breathtaking and it’s a tremendous privilege and achievement to be able to submit a car for competition.
As only the most beautiful and rare cars are invited to appear, thousands of connoisseurs of art and style from all over the world flock to see these masterpieces and celebrate the inspirational ingenuity, creativity and technical expertise behind them.
Our client’s SS100 is scheduled to be judged in the Class J-1 European Classic Open and will also run in the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance on the preceding Thursday. Tour entrants get to trace some of the most scenic sections of 17-Mile Drive (a winding road that leads through an exclusive neighbourhood and past some very special coastal views) and Highway One, for spectators to enjoy, then parading down Carmel’s Ocean Avenue.
The whole experience will be something else…
Since its inaugural showing in 1950, California’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance has grown to become perhaps the world’s foremost celebration of classic showcars. So having won other concours competitions in 2008, our client’s Jaguar SS100 is about to face its biggest test yet.
Competitors from 27 states and 12 countries brought their prized automotive possessions to California’s Monterey Peninsula in 2008 for judging in 24 classes to test their unique blends of automotive design, craftsmanship and history. There’s no reason to assume that competition will be any less fierce this year.
But given the entry criteria and being the car it is, we can see why this very special SS100 has been invited to attend such a prestigious event. So we’re both extremely proud and thrilled to help its owner showcase it in its best light on one of the world’s biggest stages.
And we’ll be sure to let you know how it gets on!