For a totally different driving experience, and the oldest car I have driven, Alex Aldous's wife's business own an ultra rare 2.5 litre SS Jaguar which proved a real treat. Originally supplied to Australia and returned this year to join 2 other SSs in the Gladstone Carriages' collection, which make them a significant owner of these early cars, it is maintained regardless of cost but always with a keen eye on originality.
Gladstone Carriages 1937 2.5 litre SS Jaguar
Alex drove it first, warming the oil and explaining the handling, braking and steering, which proved not unlike Adam Copes 1960s Mustang – brake and steer well before you think you need to and be prepared for a little roll through the bends. He wound it up smoothly to 70, and it seemed easily capable of challenging the ton. What impressed was the torque and minimal need to change gear, which proved useful when I drove... It happily pulls away in 4th at 15mph and accelerates well given its weight and old technology. Around 140 horses help though.
Admiring the walnut dash, leather trim and carpet backed seats, chrome knobs of windows, sidelights, pull-out windscreen et al, my eye was continually drawn to the long straight bonnet framed by fared-in sidelights and massive pair of P100 headlights, split by the nickel leaper. The suspension provided a commendable ride over rural roads in pristine green leather seats, though minimal lateral support was notable. And of course the lines are stunning, the genuine 30s look.
My turn, and after the push button start she settled to an idle, I removed my shoes as the pedal box is narrow and selected first gear.
Moving off with the characteristic 30s whine, almost immediately take second and then third as you negotiate the wide expanse of the gearbox gates and drop it into gear. I'm not in the habit of stroking vicars' (Alex is a vicar) knees, but the steering wheel is so vast that the gear knob is actually under the wheel and I found my hand going past it initially. Once a few bends had been safely negotiated and the adequate brakes applied early, the torque reduced need for gear changing and I could settle into imagining long trips, and 50 miles would typically have been long, in this car 70 years ago. Alex took it to the Goodwood Revival this year, around 350 miles, and she behaved impeccably, cruising at 65mph with ease.
This SS, one of around 50 surviving from the 1936-7 2.5 litres build period, built with an ash wood frame on steel chassis, is available for wedding hire through Gladstone Carriages (www.gladstonecarriages.co.uk Tel: 01780 450760). Brides are amply accommodated in deep full width seats and the interior is immaculate and period too - a fine way to start married life.