Incredible collection of 12 rare Jaguars for sale

First ever Jag sports car among the desirable dozen

The chance to buy a rare Jaguar classic car doesn’t come along very often – so the chance to buy a dozen at once? Well that would just never happen.

Well think again, because it is happening.

Yes, a collection of 12 historically significant Jags including the marque’s very first sports car have been put up for sale all at once and can be bought individually – or as a job lot, if you’re rich – via Pendine Historic Cars.

So, let’s see what’s on offer…

1935 Jaguar SS90 prototype

The most exciting car in the collection, which is currently owned by Swiss-based enthusiast Dr Christian Jenny, is a 1935 prototype of the Jaguar SS90 racer.

The unique vehicle was hand-crafted by the factory on an SS1 chassis that had been shortened by 15in, and effectively launched the marque’s motorsport ambitions.

We’ve got no idea what it’s worth – and Pendine’s not saying – but you can bet it won’t be cheap.

1952 Jaguar C-type

This 1952 beauty is known as ‘the lost C-type’ – and with good reason. 

Initially sold to a Los Angeles importer it then made its way to Seattle, where its new owner gave it several modifications. A few sales later, in 1974, its then-owner decided to hide it away so he didn’t lose it in a divorce: cue more than 30 years of enthusiasts trying to track it down.

Eventually, in 1997, it resurfaced and is now up for sale in tip-top condition.

Jaguar E-type Series 1

Another notable Jag, this fixed-head coupé E-type was the star of Jaguar’s Geneva show stand when the model was launched in 1961.

One of a trio of E-types taken to the Swiss event, it was the first example seen in public when it was unveiled to the press and VIP guests at the Parc des Eaux-Vives on 15 March 1961.

As with the C-type, it then disappeared from view for decades, only reappearing again in 1999.

1935 Jaguar SS90

The second SS90 in the collection is almost as notable as the prototype: it was the first production sports car ever sold by the company.

‘Sold’ might not be quite true, as its first owner was Captain Sir John Black – Chairman of the Standard Motor Company, which supplied the engines actually used in the car. It’s not clear whether it was presented to him by Sir William Lyons as a gift or as part-payment of a bill, but either way it has its place in history.

That history doesn’t stop there, either: it was later owned by a famous Autocar writer, then spent time in the renowned Walter Hill collection of Jaguars in Florida.

1960 Jaguar XK150

One of the rarest machines in the collection, this stylish XK150 is one of just 14 left-hand-drive 3.8S roadsters.

Sold new to a buyer in Beirut, Lebanon, it subsequently spent time in the United States. At some stage – probably early in its life – it appears to have been involved in an accident, and as a result it was later treated to a full body-off restoration plus drivetrain and suspension overhaul.

Whatever its past, it is presented for sale in superb condition as a supreme example of one of the most desirable of all post-war Jaguars.

1949 Jaguar XK120

This gorgeous XK120 was originally bought by famous Swiss racer Albert Scherrer, and is thought to be the first Jaguar to compete on the Continent after WW2.

And compete it did, with its first owner campaigning it extensively throughout Switzerland and tasting notable success as a result.

What's more, it's one of just 240 early alloy-bodied cars produced, and is presented for sale in beautiful condition.

1938 Jaguar SS100

Another early Jaguar, this SS100 was delivered new to the Czech capital Prague and survived the next four decades behind the Iron Curtain.

Smuggled out in the 1970s, it was extensively restored in the ’80s and is in wonderful condition today; in fact, it was even displayed at the glamorous 2004 Villa d’Este concours in Italy.

1955 Jaguar XK140 SE roadster

Unlike most of the others in this collection, this XK140 SE is being sold in less-than original condition – the result of its many years spent competing in international rallies.

Don't let that put you off, though: with everything from the engine to the brakes to the seats having been overhauled over the years, it's ready for historic rallying action the minute its new owner gets the keys. 

1937 Jaguar SS100

The second of the two SS100s in the collection was sold new to Swiss Olympic bobsleigh champion Hans Aichele in 1937, and stayed in the country for nearly 50 years and several further owners.

After a period in the UK it moved to the US, where it was given an extensive restoration that turned it into a near-peerless pre-war classic: it subsequently won prizes at several concours including the esteemed Pebble Beach, in 2004.

1972 Jaguar E-type Series 3 roadster V12

The V12 model is the ultimate Series 3 E-type: a consummate grand tourer with huge amounts of power and torque. 

Many have been extensively driven, and it's rare to find one in this kind of condition today: largely original and unrestored, this matching-numbers example may well be among the best out there. 

1950 Jaguar XK120

The second XK120 in the collection doesn't have the alloy-body of the first, but it does have competition history in Switzerland and is presented in its original factory colours and specification, having been extensively restored earlier this decade.

1961 Jaguar E-type Series 1 roadster

The third of the three E-types in the collection is an early one – in fact it was only the 165th built in total, and the 12th roadster to be bought in the USA.

Importantly, it retains all the important attributes of an early E-type including flat footwell floors and its original bonnet, complete with locks. And while that colour isn’t original, it is rather striking.

You can view full details of all the cars on Pendine Historic Cars website.