1947 Jaguar MK IV 2.5 Litre Saloon

Lot details
Registration No: AGV 119
Chassis No: 510536
Mot Expiry: Exempt

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 510536 - was first road registered as `AGV 119' by West Suffolk County Council on 29th March 1947. Belonging to auctioneer and estate agent F.G. Parker Esq of Mildenhall between January 1954 and December 1970, the Jaguar's next thirty-five years were spent in the custodianship of the neighbouring Mears family. Little used during that time, the Saloon was nonetheless treated to a respray and sundry rechroming (though, its original brown leather upholstery was pleasingly retained). Acquired by its previous keeper in 2006, the MKIV has more recently been entrusted to marque specialist Davenport Cars of Tetworth, Bedfordshire. Said to be remarkably solid underneath and still boasting its original engine not to mention a substantially complete tool kit, chassis 510536 is believed but not warranted to have covered some 69,300 miles from new (a supposition based more on general lack of wear and tear than paperwork). Starting readily upon inspection, `AGV 119' is offered for sale with continuation green logbook and sundry invoices / correspondence.