Pre-war Britain was a turning point for sports cars and saloon design, and Jaguar’s early offerings are a frequent subject for enthusiasts and restorers. The 1938 lineup shows how the company balanced performance models and practical saloons before the name change to Jaguar.
There are 4 1938 Jaguar Car Models, ranging from SS 100 (2.5-litre) to SS Jaguar 3.5‑litre Saloon; for each model you’ll find below Production years,Engine (L),Production (units), and concise notes on distinguishing features — you’ll find below.
How different were the 1938 Jaguar models from earlier SS cars?
The 1938 models carried forward the SS engineering layout but refined suspension and body choices to suit both sportier roadsters and heavier saloons; engine options broadened to cover 2.5-litre sports units up to the 3.5‑litre saloon powerplant, so buyers could pick between performance and comfort.
Where can I verify the Production years, Engine (L), and Production (units) listed below?
Use primary sources like factory records, recognized marque registries, specialist books (period catalogues and marque histories) and reputable club archives; these cross-checks will confirm the Production years, Engine (L), and Production (units) shown below.
1938 Jaguar Car Models
| Model | Production years | Engine (L) | Production (units) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SS 100 (2.5-litre) | 1936–1940 | 2.5 | |
| SS 100 (3.5-litre) | 1936–1940 | 3.5 | |
| SS Jaguar 2.5‑litre Saloon | 1936–1940 | 2.5 | |
| SS Jaguar 3.5‑litre Saloon | 1938–1940 | 3.5 |
Images and Descriptions
SS 100 (2.5-litre)
Iconic two-seat sports car introduced 1936, styling by William Lyons, agile 2.5-litre straight-six; popular as roadster and tourer with bodies by Salmons (Tickford) and Swallow. Noted for sporting performance and pre-war racing pedigree.
SS 100 (3.5-litre)
Open two-seat SS 100 with 3.5-litre engine offered from 1936; rare, higher-performance variant prized by collectors. Coachbuilt roadster and occasional drophead coupés by Salmons (Tickford) and bespoke coachbuilders. Noted for strong torque and pre-war competition use.
SS Jaguar 2.5‑litre Saloon
Luxury sporting saloon available 1936–1940 combining comfortable four-seat coachbuilt bodies with a 2.5-litre straight-six; often bodied by Swallow and occasionally by Vanden Plas. A handsome, practical Jaguar saloon of the late 1930s with respectable performance.
SS Jaguar 3.5‑litre Saloon
Introduced 1938 as a larger-engined saloon, fitted with a 3.5-litre straight-six for stronger motorway cruising; coachbuilt bodies included saloon and drophead styles by Swallow and independent coachbuilders. Less common than the 2.5-litre saloon.
