1935 S.S. Ltd. SS1 wins Best in Show at 7th annual Philadelphia Concours

A 1935 S.S. Ltd. SS1, owned by Eduardo Zavala, of St. Petersburg, Florida, was judged "Best in Show" at the 7th Annual Philadelphia Concours d'Elegance, in partnership with the Delaware Valley Jaguar Club, on June 23, 2024.

The famed Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia hosted the "Jaguar Jamboree," which benefited Cool Cars for Kids and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Before Jaguar was Jaguar, it was S.S. Cars Ltd. Prior to resuming automobile production following World War II, the company name was changed to Jaguar Cars Ltd. early in 1945. The SS1 model was the first car designed by company founder Sir William Lyons and was built for its looks rather than performance. Originally owned by Argentinian tango performer Ada Falcon, it spent the first 80 years in Buenos Aires.

A full list of award winners, including those of the Hagerty Youth Judging, the Car Corral and the Jaguar Field of Honour, may be found HERE.

The weekend began with a fundraising gala on Saturday evening at the Museum, benefitting Cool Cars for Kids and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The Love 77 Band from EBE Talent Group entertained the room filled with nearly 200 guests. The proceeds from the silent and live auctions led by auctioneer Jeff Heisy came to nearly $30,000. Former Philadelphia Eagles coach Dick Vermeil contributed bottles of Vermeil wines, and other donations included tickets to Eagles games, a Napa Valley tour, a St. Thomas trip, a Kentucky Bourbon tour, custom Jaguar racing jackets signed by the Jaguar expert panelists, and much more.

“This year’s Concours was a resounding success, both in terms of attendance and the number of amazing cars at all levels,” said Ian Krantz, M.D., pediatrician and geneticist on the faculty of CHOP and the Perelman School of Medicine at The University of Pennsylvania, and CCfK founder. “The event supported our philanthropic cause, Cool Cars for Kids, which raises awareness and funds to support clinical care and research for children with genetic conditions and birth defects.

“I was humbled by the embracing of our mission by all of those in attendance at our Gala Preview dinner and in awe of our staff and team of volunteers (from Cool Cars for Kids, the Simeone Museum and the Delaware Valley Jaguar Club) who all gladly shouldered the herculean task of pulling together this successful event."

A panel discussion covering the history of Jaguar was held on the stage during the Concours, which included historian Harry Hurst as the M.C., and former Jaguar of North America president Mike Dale, Jaguar collector/restorer Dean Cusano, and Group 44 Jaguar racing driver Chip Robinson. On video were Tony Dowe, former managing director of Tom Walkinshaw Racing, Group 44’s Bob Tullius, and author Neil Smith.

“One word comes to mind when I sum up my experience at the Philadelphia Concours E’elegance to benefit Cool cars for Kids: Privileged!,” said Cusano. “This event is so heartfelt that once you experience it you can’t help but become immersed in the good nature, the generosity of time and contribution, and the sincere intentions that every single person emanates. What a fantastic experience! Bravo!”

Next year’s 8th Annual Philadelphia Concours d'Elegance is scheduled for June 21-22, 2025.