Classic pre-war Jaguar driven by a swashbuckling RAF pilot has emerged for sale at £450,000

A STUNNING Jaguar that was driven by a daring RAF pilot in the Monte Carlo Rally is up for sale, and could fetch almost half a million pounds.

The SS100 was one of the first Jaguars to be produced and part-time racer Jack Harrop was quick to buy this beauty back in 1936.

Within two months of putting down the cash for the awesome Jag, Harrop was driving it in its competitive debut at the 16th Monte Carlo Rally. 

He was one of 133 racers and after a steady race he managed to finish thirtieth overall.

Fast forward to 1941, and Harrop was now in the RAF stationed in Switzerland, although he had taken the Jag with him to drive while he was there.

However, while on a coastal patrol, Harrop and his crew unfortunately never returned to base.

After the war, the SS spent time in America and changed hands several times before finding its way back to another UK owner.

From 1993 the Jag underwent a painstaking restoration to bring it back to its former glory, while it was resprayed in its original SS Maroon colour, while the car also comes with a restored SS jack, tools and a starting handle.

H&H Classics, who are handling the sale, said: “The end result is not only the nicest but also the most historic SS100 we have encountered.

“Worthy of close inspection and eligible for a host of prestigious events, chassis 18050 is offered for sale with a UK V5C registration document and a compelling history file.”