Ayrburn Classic Live Auction

Welcome to the Ayrburn Classic Live Auction 2026.
These vehicles will be auctioned live at the iconic Ayrburn Estate, Arrowtown, on Saturday 21 February 2026 at 5:00pm.
For questions, bidding registration (in person, online, or phone), pre-purchase inspections or additional history, photos and videos please contact us here or visit the Sunday Drive website auctions page.
Full vehicle description available on the Sunday Drive website.

Reserve price is significantly lower than the listed price
Price guide $160,000 - $180,000

A graceful pre-war convertible that captures the romance, craftsmanship and elegance of 1930s British motoring, this 1935 Standard Swallow has been fully restored to concours condition, presenting today as an exceptional example of one of Britains most important early sporting motor cars.

The Standard Swallow represents a pivotal chapter in automotive history, produced during the formative years of the Swallow Coachbuilding Company founded by William Lyons and William Walmsley. These early Swallow-bodied cars laid the foundation for what would later become Jaguar Cars, establishing the brands enduring reputation for style, proportion and visual drama well before performance became its calling card. In many respects, the Standard Swallow is where the Jaguar story truly begins.

This example presents beautifully as a classic open-top touring car, finished in a rich red that accentuates the sweeping curves and elegant coachwork. The long bonnet, flowing guards and low-slung stance create a striking silhouette, enhanced by period-correct brightwork, wire wheels and the externally mounted rear spare wheel, all meticulously restored to exacting standards and faithful to original specification.

On the road, the Standard Swallow delivers a gentle and engaging driving experience, encouraging relaxed touring rather than outright speed. It offers a wonderfully evocative glimpse into pre-war motoringunhurried, tactile and richly atmospheric.

Rare, historically significant and increasingly sought after, the Standard Swallow occupies a special place among collectors for its direct lineage to Jaguar and its unmistakable elegance. Restored to concours condition, this is a car equally at home on the show field, on scenic drives, or as a cornerstone piece within a significant pre-war or Jaguar-focused collection.