Jaguar Mark V Drophead

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Although it was only intended as an interim model between the pre-war SS range and the forthcoming MkVII, the gorgeous MkV had real star quality and is still ranked amongst the most beautiful Jaguar saloons ever made – small wonder that it outsold the contemporary XK120 two-seater sports by a considerable margin.

A natural rival to the Bentley MkVI and Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn but at less than a third of the price, it was based on a new box-section chassis, with independent front suspension using a torsion bar and double wishbones, that was to underpin all Jaguar saloons for the next 13 years. A big advance was the adoption of Girling hydraulic brakes and the car was sold in both 2.5-litre and 3.5-litre versions.

In 2.5 litre form it produced 104bhp, but the larger 3.5 litre produced 125bhp, a handy performance increase in a heavy car.

A total of 10,499 Mark V Saloons were built between 1948 and 1951, but only 685 Drophead Coupe with the 3.5-litre engine and only 108 in right-hand drive, with fewer than 15 remaining today.

The Mark V offered here is thought to be amongst the last built, being registered on 27^th June 1951, the year the Mark V was replaced by the MkVII. First registered to an American lady who worked for the US Embassy in Hanover Square. Unfortunately, a month after taking delivery she was recalled back to America, and the Jaguar was sold to a gentleman from Aylesbury from whom the Vendor purchased the car in 1980. He discovered that in its past the Jaguar had been driven around Silverstone by none other than James Hunt who “wanted to see how fast it would go”!

During the Vendors ownership the Jaguar was restored with the majority of work undertaken by Arnetts of Bournemouth in 1989, when it was repainted in its original Gunmetal Silver. The interior was retrimmed in 1990, and the work was completed in time to perform wedding duties for the Vendors son.

More recent work has been completed on the braking system, with new brake cylinders installed.

Now being reluctantly offered for sale for the third time in 67 years it is in good condition with an MOT valid until August 2019.  A rare and stylish car that is ready to be used and enjoyed.