20th Jun, 2026 10:00
Classic Cars, Vehicles & Automobilia
219
1939 SS Jaguar 1.5 litre Drophead Coupe, reg. no. FXE 374, chassis no. 56493.
1939 SS Jaguar 1.5 litre Drophead Coupe, reg. no. FXE 374, chassis no. 56493.
Believed one of only eighteen survivors worldwide and owned since 1963. A beautiful multi-prize-winning, well-cared for example with extensive history and benefiting from a unique long-term ownership and very rare.
This very special SS Jaguar was bought by Peter Pearson from a work colleague in September 1963 for £15. It was his first car which he has owned and loved for the last sixty three years . Nicknamed 'Felix' by Peter, this beautiful car has been restored by him and enthusiastically driven by him all over the country. Peter has been a member of the Jaguar Drivers Club (JDC) for 60 years this year. In 1971, he was asked by Jaguar Cars to loan Felix to the Company for an exhibition in Coventry from May to September 1972 at the Herbert Museum. Sir William Lyons had specifically asked for a drop head to be included, and Felix was the only one known to be still roadworthy at that time. On the opening night, Peter met Sir William and Lady Lyons, with her commenting' 'look William, that one is just like the one we went to France in 1939' and Sir William replying 'that's why I got Whyte (Andrew Whyte the PRO of Jaguar Cars) to get one here'. Peter was very chuffed to have met Felix's legendary maker, who was very complimentary about the car.
Over the years, Peter has attended over 200 shows, and Felix has won numerous prizes and has been the subject of many magazine articles befitting its rarity and background story. Over the last 63 years, Felix has been restored several times and had a post-war, fully rebuilt Jaguar MK IV 1.5 litre engine block fitted some years ago. Peter kept the original engine, which is included in the sale along with a large quantity of original spares, including new wings, gearbox, axle, prop shaft, radiator and shell and windscreen (a list of which is available to view). It is believed Felix is one of six hundred and sixty-six 1.5 litre SS Jaguar dropheads built between 1938-1939, and there are only 18 known survivors, of which Felix must be one of the best known in Jaguar circles. A unique opportunity is a phrase much overused, but in this case, well justified. Peter is now in his 88th year and reluctantly has decided to sell his first car after 63 years (and will make a profit on his £15 investment) in the hope that the new owner will derive as much motoring pleasure from it as he has and will continue to preserve this beautiful 1930s Jaguar icon. As expected, Felix is supplied with a large history file including a written account from Peter about his ownership, numerous magazine articles about the car, a quantity of spares, including the original engine and photographs of the car throughout his ownership. (Subject to 12% buyers' premium inclusive of VAT).
£45,000 - £55,000
Buyer's premium: 30%; Cars & Motorcycles: 12%
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For clients unable or not wishing to attend our sale we are happy to accept absentee bids. Absentee bids can either be left in person with our office team, phoned or emailed to us. We simply require lot numbers and descriptions and the maximum bid which you wish to leave. Absentee bids are then transferred to our auction pages and the auctioneer will bid on your behalf. If the lot can be purchased at a lower price than your maximum bid our auctioneers will always endeavour to work in your interest to purchase the lot for you as cheaply as other bids will allow. If the same bid is left by two people on a lot we will precedence to the bidder who leaves the bid first.
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We are happy to accept phone bids for our Fine Art and Collectors’ sales. Phone bids may be arranged in person with our office team, by phone or by email. We simply require the lot number and details of the lots which you wish to bid on and contact phone number / numbers. Our phone bidders will call in advance of your chosen lot / lots and bid on your behalf during the sale.
Telephone bids must be booked by 4pm the day before the sale but can be arranged earlier, we have limited lines and certain lots can be over-subscribed for phone bidding, in such instances we conduct a first come, first served basis and we encourage clients to book well in advance or risk being disappointed.
Auction: Classic Cars, Vehicles & Automobilia, 20th Jun, 2026
Our Classic Car Sale includes a wonderful selection of vintage and classic cars, totalling half a million pounds, including nine Rileys, a rare 1952 Bentley MKVI Convertible, a very rare 1939 Jaguar SS Convertible, two 1950s Jaguar XKs, 1970 Jaguar E-Type Coupe and a rare 1939 Lagonda LG6 Saloon. There is also a good selection of automobilia including vintage car mascots and badges.
Viewing will be held on Thursday 18th June 2pm - 5pm, Friday 19th June 9am - 5pm, Morning of the sale from 8.30am
Viewing
Thursday 18th June 2pm - 5pm
Friday 19th June 9am - 5pm
Morning of the sale from 8.30am
Full Terms & Conditions relating to our auctions can be found here
Here at Reeman Dansie, we are happy to offer a complimentary online valuation service. Please fill out the form and press the 'Submit' button below.
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Approximate dimensions are also useful. Expect to hear from the appropriate valuer as soon as possible.
