Blog 32- April 2026
This Off Piste blog is a rant about the state of our beloved nation.
It’s a while since I updated the blog so there’s a bit to report. Some of you may know that a while ago the notion of getting as many SS100s together as we could muster was mooted. These days, one sees so few of the cars on the roads or at events. Twenty years ago, it was commonplace to be treated to a dozen or more ‘100s at a gathering of Jaguars, but today, one rarely sees any.
It was stalwart Grahame Bull who reminded me that it was the 90th anniversary of the SS90 and ‘100 and so an event was organised for 2nd to 4th September 2025 and I’m pleased to report that it was a great success. In truth it wasn’t easy to get a quorum of these iconic cars. The event, run though the New Forest, was brilliantly organised by Sarah Dowding who runs Classic Travelling, a firm specialising in tours for classic car clubs and groups.
Special thanks must go to Grahame whose, support and tireless efforts, made it possible. Without him, I’m certain, we would never have got things off the ground. It’s also important to salute stalwart Georg Dönni who rounded up an incredible cohort of cars from Switzerland.
In all we had fifteen cars that included six cars from Switzerland (and what incredible cars they were) and, believe it or not, a wonderful enthusiast and his lovely wife, all the way from Israel. We toured extensively around the New Forest, sharing the challenging roads with ponies, cows, deer and even pigs all of which had priority. Visits included Sammy Miller’s amazing museum where he man himself, now 91, regaled us with tales of his exploits. The viscount, lord of the manor at Breamore House, gave us a guided tour and brought it all to life with his enthusiasm and vast knowledge.
In any event the tour went exceedingly well and on the afternoon of the third day it was sadly, all over and the participants went their separate ways. We’d all like to do the centenary but I doubt many of us will make it.
SSS100 Suspension Saga
Of course, we took the ‘100 on the anniversary tour and frankly, on the less than perfect surfaces she showed the deficiencies of her rear suspension. I had planned that the winter months would see a major strip down. Amazingly, Jones Springs has the specifications of SS100 springs and can supply a set, at a reasonable price, within three weeks. Sadly the project has not got off to a good start. Before the tour I had sent the car to model expert Davenports in Bedfordshire who carried out a full check and service. I have to say that she ran flawlessly throughout the two days. However, the shortcomings of the rear suspension became painfully obvious. When we got home I resolved to fit the proper reconditioned Luvax shocks that I have collected over many years. I also resolved, at the same time, to fit new springs. We sent the four Luvax units to the only UK firm able to deal with them, in order to have them resealed. The unwelcome verdict was that they were all completely useless and were effectively scrap. The more positive news was that the firm would be able to replace the units with rebuilt ones. A time scale of six weeks was mentioned. It’s now April 2026 and I’m still waiting. All I can say is - watch this space.
Tiger
I’m only a little sad to report that the Tiger has found a new home. It’s part of a gentle cull that, now that I have reached the ripe old age of eighty, is overdue. It wasn’t long ago that an episode of Bangers and Cash upset Kathleen when a distressed widow had the unenviable task of disposing of her late husband’s motorcycle collection. Not help when of our old rally chums was reported as having very severe dementia with his wife losing her sight. The appointed auctioneer posted a video going around and valuing his small collection.
I suppose over the next few months I will start to consider finding alternative keepers for other cars.
90th Anniversary SS90 & SS100 Tour September 2025
Fifteen SS cars, 90s and 100s assembled outside Breamore House
The spectacular Rhinefield House Hotel that hosted the tour
Top: The huge truck that carried six Swiss cars to our New Forest venue. Middle: The assembled crews outside the Sammy Miller Museum. Bottom: SS cars getting ready to depart.
Our first lunch stop with a batch of SS motors keeping guard.
Sorry to see the Tiger go but she never got used so, better in a new home
Complete kit of Luvax parts collected over many years.
Daimler
After an irritating episode with a time waster who messed me around, I can report that the Barker has very successfully had electric power steering fitted , which is a great success, I have had five, new Blockly radials fitted and with her new power steering she goes very well indeed. Sadly, as part of my planned clear out she will have to go. If you want a really excellent Daimler Barker Sport, get in touch you won’t find a better one, indeed certainly not at a better price.
