Description

1950 Jaguar MkV 3 1/2-litre

Smart sports saloon; big engine; recent work; on the button

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.

Both engines were developed from the pre-war Standard units in the SS range, creamy smooth straight-sixes with a Moss four-speed gearbox.

A total of 10,499 Mark V Saloons were built between 1948 and 1951, just under 6,000 with the larger 3.5-litre engine in right-hand drive, although their traditional coachbuilt bodies has meant that the survival rate is poor.

We sadly have little in the way of history for this one, although it has clearly been used in the wedding business in recent years.We don't have any paperwork other than a handbook, although it is on the DVLA database so its new owner can apply for a copy V5C in the usual way.

The vendor, who came by the car in a complicated part exchange, notes that lots has been done, including a retrim and repaint white - the radiator looks to have been refurbished, along with the carbs. The brakes also have seen work and pull the car up nicely, the engine starting promptly and the car driving around the site as one would expect. It also has a stainless exhaust.

It is both rare and extremely pretty (lets face it, who doesn't love a spat) and looks great value for an early post-war Jaguar, and one fitted with the full-size 3.5-litre engine. It was last presented for an MOT in November 2019 which it passed with a few advisories.

This car offers loads of potential, although there is nothing to stop its new owner enjoying it straight away.

For more information - contact matthew.parkin@brightwells.com