1935 S.S. 1 Airline earns 2023 AACA Zenith title

Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) has selected a 1935 S.S. 1 Airline as its 2023 Zenith Award winner. The AACA Zenith Award is the penultimate recognition that’s bestowed by AACA for not only outstanding…but critically authentic automotive restoration.

The 1935 S.S. 1 Airline is owned by Jim and Lisa Hendrix of Chesterfield, Missouri. Just 16 S.S.1 Airline saloons are known to exist of the 624 built by S.S. Cars Limited in Coventry, England. The Airline is a sporting four-seat two-door pillarless design with a sweptback streamlined nature. It features luxurious armchair rear seating as directed by company owner Sir William Lyons to mimic his comfortable office chair. In its August 23, 1935, issue, The Autocar asserted that the car “... was from the first, and remains, an individual kind of car by reason of the low build, impressive length of bonnet and the sweeping lines of the wings and bodywork.”

This car was specially ordered by its original owner, Charles Randolph Whately of London, with silver paint, light blue interior, and scumble faux wood interior trim, commemorating the “Silver Jubilee” celebration of King George V. Factory literature touted “Flowing lines of the utmost simplicity characterize this interpretation of streamlining. Luxurious comfort is assured in a beautifully appointed and roomy interior from which unrestricted vision is afforded by unusually long rear quarter lights [quarter windows].” Equipped with a 2.7-liter six-cylinder engine, the Airline saloon price was 365 GBP (roughly 1,800 USD).

The Hendrix purchased this beauty, partially complete, just south of Gloucester, England, in 1996, becoming just its fourth owner. They then spent 25 years exhaustively researching every detail before becoming heavily involved in its renewal by Mann’s Restoration. It has been documented by the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, and retains its original engine, chassis, commission tag, molded tool tray, RAG carburetors with consecutive serial numbers.

This unparalleled AACA Award recognizes the very best automobile restoration for its overall quality, authenticity and rarity. The mere 19 automobiles that competed for this year’s Zenith Award, held in August at the 2023 AACA Grand Nationals in Bettendorf, Iowa, were selected from each of the AACA National shows in 2022. Only one vehicle can be crowned “Restoration of the Year,” and this stunningly restored 1935 S.S. 1 Airline clearly earned the honor.

Congratulations also goes to the runner-up, a 1929 Ford Model A Town Car owned by Stanley and Mary Sorrels from LaPorte, Indiana.

Click here to view the AACA Zenith Award program listing all of the cars in the competition.

Founded in 1935, AACA is dedicated to the authentic antique automobile experience and recognizes any and all vehicles 25-years-old-or-older. It’s known as the most inclusive antique car club in the world. It honors cars, trucks and motorcycles produced in America and throughout the world. With more than 45,000 members, it is also one of the largest clubs of its kind. For more details about the AACA, please visit their website: www.aaca.org.

_{The AACA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, has served as the country's premier resource for the collectible vehicle community since its formation in 1935. Through its national office, publications, online forums, Library and membership, the Club has assisted countless individuals, historians and collectors, along with other libraries, car clubs and museums, in the quest to preserve and enjoy the antique automobile experience.}

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