UK vs United Kingdom — 1938 vs 1959
| SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster | Mk IX Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 125 hp | 220 hp |
| Torque | 170 lb-ft | 240 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 3,485 cc | 3,781 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 10.4 sec | 11.3 sec |
| Top Speed | 100 mph | 118 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 17.8 sec |
| Weight | 2,632 lbs | 4,032 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,667 mm | 3,048 mm |
| Length | 3,962 mm | 5,004 mm |
| Units Produced | 118 | 10,005 |
| Original MSRP | — | $6,250 |
| Value (Excellent) | $750,000 | $95,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1938 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster brings quicker acceleration, lighter weight, greater rarity to the table, and the 1959 Jaguar Mk IX Standard answers with more power, higher top speed, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Jaguar has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1938 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster with the 1959 Jaguar Mk IX Standard highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1959 Jaguar Mk IX Standard holds a clear advantage in raw power with 220 hp compared to 125 hp, a 95-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Jaguar SS100 uses a Inline-6 OHV displacing 3,485 cc, while the Jaguar Mk IX relies on a Inline-6 DOHC (XK) with 3,781 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1938 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster edges ahead at 10.4 seconds versus 11.3 seconds. The Jaguar SS100 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1400 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 118 units built, the 1938 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster is considerably scarcer than the Jaguar Mk IX's 10,005 examples. On the collector market, the 1938 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster commands a significant premium over the 1959 Jaguar Mk IX Standard, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1938 Jaguar SS100 3.5 Litre Roadster rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.