1946 Jaguar 2 ½ litre Sports Special

An exceptional styled car, we understand that this post war 1946 Jaguar based all-aluminium special in the style of the Count Trossi’s Mercedes was completed here in the UK by the Summer of 2017.

See & hear the engine running here: https://youtu.be/TsJewAAeDgU

Featuring a suitably long 10’ wheelbase and built on the post war 2 ½ litre Jaguar chassis with the 2663cc 102bhp overhead valve 6-cylinder Standard-derived engine - all the engine tooling now purchased by Jaguar - suspension was by semi elliptic leaf springs front and rear, with Girling rod-operated brakes, 4’8” track, and a 4 speed gearbox to a 4.55:1 final drive.

This was enough to propel the 2 ½ litre Jaguar saloon to 87mph, and perhaps a bit more with the lighter and sleeker coachwork offered today.

With incredible retro styling, this A-road car attracts attention wherever it goes. Combined with a very sporty exhaust note, this car has performance to keep up with traffic today as well as being a worthy entry into any concours show event. Registered at Swansea with V5C historic convertible status

BACKGROUND

Pre-war, Count Carlo Felice Trossi was a wealthy Italian nobleman car collector and also a racing car driver among the famous set of drivers to include Earl Howe, Chiron, Wimille, Ascari, Varzi, Stuck,and Nuvolari. Indeed he was also invited as president & investor in Enzo Ferrari’s budding racing team in 1932 at the age of just 23, Ferrari being 34 at the time, only to leave in 1935 to build an extremely unusual 750kg 4-litre 16-cylinder 2-stroke radial engined twin supercharged formula car. It was not a success.

Ever keen on design, in June 1933 Trossi acquired one of forty 1930 supercharged 7.1 litre SSK Mercedes fitted with a 2-seat Spyder body by Touring of Milan. This car had already competed in two Mille Miglia events. Not content, Trossi dramatically styled his own coachwork for his Mercedes, to include a long bonnet, short cockpit and four flowing enveloping wings. Luggage space was minimal in the tail. In recent years this unique car has been owned by Sir Anthony Bamford, and part of the Ralph Lauren collection since the 1980s – achieving best in show at the 1993 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the same best in show award at the 2007 Italian Villa d’Este Concours, with many other show wins, even appearing at this year’s Pebble Beach in California.

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Although we attempt to ensure accuracy of any statement or detail, the customer must make his or her own judgement in purchasing this car. The purchaser of the above car understands that he or she is purchasing a historic motor car with components that are up to 77 years old and sold as a collector item. There is no warranty given or implied due to the age of the car