Jaguar SS Car Radiator Decanter by Ruddspeed

Description

Signed and Marked Ruddspeed

From our Decanters collection, we are delighted to offer this rare example Jaguar SS Car Radiator Decanter by Ruddspeed. The decanter modelled as a radiator gill from the original Jaguar SS automobile with a large cross grill with a metal body. The case is cast in heavy chromium-plated metal and surrounds a glass container. The rear of the decanter is marked Ruddspeed, England, Reg. Design. and dated to the Mid-Century Modern period Circa 1960.

Ruddspeed was founded in 1945 by Ken Rudd from a disused stable in Worthing. After working on general engineering for local farmers he graduated to more specialised work on sports cars naming his company K.M. Rudd (Engineering) Ltd. In 1953 Rudd became sufficiently well known as a competition driver that he was invited by Donald Healey to understudy for him at Le Mans. He formed RuddSpeed Ltd which was set up to undertake conversations for Austin Healey, Volvos, Alphas and later became known for converting Ford Mustangs to RHD cars, as well as one off commissions for customers. Rudd’s vision throughout his life was to take a good car and make it better which included suppling Ruddspeed Volvos to the West Sussex Police as well as other models being driven by Ian Fleming and Bruce Reynolds. Ken Rudd passed away in 2009 and the brand continues today in honour of Ken.

Ruddspeed of Worthing made a limited range of these famous radiator grill decanters in the 1960’s, they included – Mercedes, Bugatti (with black & chrome grills), Jaguar, Rolls Royce (flat screw cap and Spirit of Ecstacy cap), and Bentley with green, charcoal and chrome radiator grills. These luxury decanters were sold by Harrods of London and other high-quality shops and garages in the UK, in the 1960s.

SS Jaguar 100 is a British 2-seat sports car built 1936-1939 by SS Cars Ltd of Coventry, England. SS was used to link the previous owners, Swallow Sidecar, founded in 1922 by Walmsley and Lyons to build motorcycle sidecars. In March 1945 the S. S. Cars shareholders agreed to change the name to Jaguar Cars Limited. In common with many products of the thirties, the adoption of an animal name was deemed appropriate and the model name Jaguar was given to a new SS saloon car in 1935, and then to all new SS models. The ‘100’ was for the theoretical 100 mph maximum speed of the vehicle.

With every purchase from Mark Goodger Antiques, you will receive our latest catalogue, a Certificate of Authenticity, detailed care instructions for your chosen piece and an independent invoice (for insurance purposes) will be enclosed. As well as being protected by a no-hassle, money-back policy, your piece will be entirely insured during the shipping process to ensure the safety of your item.

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