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Lot details
Registration No: EMO 731
Chassis No: 511317
Mot Expiry: Oct 2013
"Sleek and smart, the distinctive lines of the Jaguar Saloon make an immediate appeal to the connoisseur of fine motor cars, whilst a few moments at the wheel are sufficient to convince the most experienced motorist that here is a car with performance to give delight to the most fastidious" (Jaguar sales brochure, 1946)
Following an emergency wartime board meeting in March 1945, William Lyons' SS Jaguar concern jettisoned its prefix initials and their unwanted Nazi connotations. When peace came some six months later, the newly renamed Jaguar Cars - like most British motor manufacturers - felt constrained by the government's `export or die' drive to put various of its pre-September 1939 models back into production (albeit with some minor improvements). Luckily for the Coventry firm, this entailed trying to sell a line-up of 1.5 litre four-cylinder and 2.5 / 3.5 litre six-cylinder cars which still enjoyed an enviable reputation for strong performance, good road manners and well appointed interiors.
Midpoint of what was retrospectively known as the MKIV range, the Jaguar 2.5 Litre Saloon sat atop a box-section chassis equipped with all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension, lever-arm dampers, Burman worm-and-nut steering and Girling mechanical drum brakes. Credited with developing some 105bhp and 136lbft, its 2663cc OHV straight-six engine was allied to four-speed manual transmission and promised 90mph plus performance. Utilising the same all-steel body construction as its late 1930s SS Jaguar forebear, the newcomer appeared even sleeker thanks to a revised hypoid bevel back axle that allowed the floor to be lowered by two inches. Nicknamed the `Wardour Street Bentley' on account of its popularity with the glamorous if occasionally decadent Soho-set, the MKIV 2.5 Litre Saloon remained in production until February 1949 by which time some 1,682 right-hand drive cars had been completed.
A `home market' car, this particular example - chassis number 511317 - is notable for having belonged to the world famous jockey turned author Dick Francis for a decade or so. Treated to a painstaking, `ground up' restoration by renowned marque specialist Davenport Cars Ltd of Tetworth, Bedfordshire that saw attention paid to its chassis, brakes, suspension, steering gear, four-speed manual gearbox and back axle, the Jaguar also benefited from a bare metal respray, refinished wood veneers, replacement headlining and new carpets. The original brown leather upholstery was revived and remains highly presentable. The refurbishment was carried out to a very high standard and `EMO 731' bears close scrutiny (engine overhaul aside Mr Davenport was responsible for every element of the work).
Resplendent in Deep Gloss Black, the Saloon's svelte lines are offset by imposing Lucas headlamps and correct-type silver painted wire wheels shod with Dunlop tyres (as per the manufacturer's original specification). A lovely motorcar with a great history, this stunning MKIV has had many thousands of pounds lavished upon it. Worthy of a place in many a collection, `EMO 731' is offered for sale with history file (including letters from Dick Francis) and valid MOT certificate.
Registration No: EMO 731
Chassis No: 511317
Mot Expiry: Oct 2013
"Sleek and smart, the distinctive lines of the Jaguar Saloon make an immediate appeal to the connoisseur of fine motor cars, whilst a few moments at the wheel are sufficient to convince the most experienced motorist that here is a car with performance to give delight to the most fastidious" (Jaguar sales brochure, 1946)
Following an emergency wartime board meeting in March 1945, William Lyons' SS Jaguar concern jettisoned its prefix initials and their unwanted Nazi connotations. When peace came some six months later, the newly renamed Jaguar Cars - like most British motor manufacturers - felt constrained by the government's `export or die' drive to put various of its pre-September 1939 models back into production (albeit with some minor improvements). Luckily for the Coventry firm, this entailed trying to sell a line-up of 1.5 litre four-cylinder and 2.5 / 3.5 litre six-cylinder cars which still enjoyed an enviable reputation for strong performance, good road manners and well appointed interiors.
Midpoint of what was retrospectively known as the MKIV range, the Jaguar 2.5 Litre Saloon sat atop a box-section chassis equipped with all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension, lever-arm dampers, Burman worm-and-nut steering and Girling mechanical drum brakes. Credited with developing some 105bhp and 136lbft, its 2663cc OHV straight-six engine was allied to four-speed manual transmission and promised 90mph plus performance. Utilising the same all-steel body construction as its late 1930s SS Jaguar forebear, the newcomer appeared even sleeker thanks to a revised hypoid bevel back axle that allowed the floor to be lowered by two inches. Nicknamed the `Wardour Street Bentley' on account of its popularity with the glamorous if occasionally decadent Soho-set, the MKIV 2.5 Litre Saloon remained in production until February 1949 by which time some 1,682 right-hand drive cars had been completed.
A `home market' car, this particular example - chassis number 511317 - is notable for having belonged to the world famous jockey turned author Dick Francis for a decade or so. Treated to a painstaking, `ground up' restoration by renowned marque specialist Davenport Cars Ltd of Tetworth, Bedfordshire that saw attention paid to its chassis, brakes, suspension, steering gear, four-speed manual gearbox and back axle, the Jaguar also benefited from a bare metal respray, refinished wood veneers, replacement headlining and new carpets. The original brown leather upholstery was revived and remains highly presentable. The refurbishment was carried out to a very high standard and `EMO 731' bears close scrutiny (engine overhaul aside Mr Davenport was responsible for every element of the work).
Resplendent in Deep Gloss Black, the Saloon's svelte lines are offset by imposing Lucas headlamps and correct-type silver painted wire wheels shod with Dunlop tyres (as per the manufacturer's original specification). A lovely motorcar with a great history, this stunning MKIV has had many thousands of pounds lavished upon it. Worthy of a place in many a collection, `EMO 731' is offered for sale with history file (including letters from Dick Francis) and valid MOT certificate.
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