However, the industry was scattered with failures and Lyons determined that a cautious approach was necessary. Consequently, he arranged for the Standard Motor Company to build a chassis to Swallow´s design but fitted with Standard engines.

Meanwhile Lyons, the shrewd publicist, had set the scene. ´WAIT! THE "SS" IS COMING,´ stated an advertisement in July 1931. ´2 New Coupes of Surpassing Beauty. SS is the new name of a new car that´s going to thrill the hearts of the motoring public and the trade alike. It´s something utterly new ... different ... better!

Thus announced, the SS I and SS II Coupes were duly presented at the 1931 London Motor Show, and sensation they certainly caused. The body was ultra low and the bonnet outrageously long. It had, stated the press, the £1,000 look, yet was priced at a very modest £310, highlighting Lyons´ unique ability to offer remarkable value for money.

In July 1933 the SS I Tourer joined the Coupe, and apart from being the first open SS model, the significance of the Tourers was that they were the first to be entered in a serious competitive event. A team of three Tourers were entered in the 1933 Alpine Trial in mainland Europe and the following year they enhanced the SS name very considerably, taking the team prize on this particularly tough event.

The little SS II was considerably improved in late 1933 when it was given its own purpose-designed chassis which gave a wheelbase more than a foot longer.

At the same time the front wings were altered to conform to the new style of the larger model. Also, following the form of the SS I, Saloon and Tourer models of the SS II were introduced.