Lot details
Registration No: TPG 638
Chassis No: 717378
Mot Expiry: Exempt

- Supplied new via Coombs & Sons of Guildford to Captain J.R. Strayan of Sunningdale, Berkshire and initially road registered as 'TPG 638'

- Rumoured to have participated in the RAC British International Rally and to have seen service in America as a diplomatic vehicle

- Highly original, unrestored, 'matching numbers' example showing a very plausible but unwarrated 66,000 recorded miles

- Potentially Mille Miglia eligible

Given its graceful lines and generous proportions it now seems a little incongruous that the MkVII should have had such a glorious career as a rally and track car. Still the only Jaguar model to have won the Monte Carlo Rally, it proved equally effective at Silverstone (taking top honours in the International Trophy meeting for five years in a row) and even contested the 1953 Mille Miglia.

According to its accompanying Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, chassis 717378 was manufactured on 27th August 1953. Initially finished in Black with Red leather upholstery, the MkVII left Browns Lane barely a week later. Supplied new via Coombs & Sons of Guildford to Captain J.R. Strayan of Sunningdale, Berkshire, the Jaguar is rumoured to have participated in the RAC British International Rally and indeed comes with a plaque issued to competitor number 136. It has also been suggested that the sports saloon served as a diplomatic vehicle in America for several years. However, in the absence of hard evidence the vendor gives little credence to these stories. Purchased by its previous keeper at the famous Hershey Swap Meet, chassis 717378 was repatriated during 2012. Yet to be restored, the MkVII shows a highly credible but unwarranted 66,000 miles to its odometer. The interior upholstery is self-evidently original and the paint looks to have been untouched for decades. Commenting on `TPG 638', the seller notes that `the 3.4 litre engine is one of the best I have ever driven and the Moss gearbox is quiet. The bodywork is original and sound. I would think it must be one of the best original cars available in the UK at the moment'. Having inspected this apparently `matching numbers' and potentially Mille Miglia eligible example at first hand we are inclined to agree with him. Offered for sale with original handbook, period luggage set and sundry paperwork.