1951 Jaguar MK V 3.5-Litre Drophead Coupe

Registration No: MFJ 991
Chassis No: 640371
MOT: Exempt

• One of just 108 Dropheads fitted with the 3.5 Litre engine
• Previously part of the collection of Milan-based Jaguar agent Bepi Koelliker
• Presented in a beautiful shade of Dark Blue with contrasting Tan leather interior

The Mark V was unveiled on 30 September 1948 and launched on 27 October 1948 at the London Motor Show, sharing the stand with the XK120. Whilst the XK120 stole the show, the Mark V vastly outsold it, achieving roughly 5,000 sales per year compared to around 2,000 for the XK120. The Mark V retained the 1946-48 driveline, featuring overhead-valve pushrod straight-six engines of 2.5 or 3.5 litres. However, it sat on a new chassis with independent front suspension by double wishbones and torsion bar – a feature adopted on many future Jaguar models. The Mark V also benefited from hydraulic brakes and an all pressed-steel body. Just 108 right-hand drive 3.5-litre Drophead Coupés were produced, with most built for the left-hand drive export market.

Manufactured in June 1951 as a home-market example, this rather stunning Mark V Drophead later travelled to Italy, where it was acquired by Bepi Koelliker – franchise owner for Jaguar, Morris, Land Rover, Mini, Austin, and Triumph. Koelliker was a prominent SS collector and Jaguar dealer near Milan. Alongside his franchise businesses, he maintained a private museum reportedly housing one of almost every Jaguar model made. Chassis 640371 was restored by his Jaguar workshops to an incredibly high standard and remained in his collection for many years.

When the franchise and collection were sold in 2012, a large number of Koelliker’s cars were repatriated to the UK through Landmark Cars, Chiswick. Chassis 640371 was among them and was purchased by its previous owner, an engineer by profession. Although the car had been unused for around ten years, it remained in excellent cosmetic condition, presented in its lovely Dark Blue with contrasting Tan leather interior. The car was subsequently recommissioned with replacement tyres, door seals and rubbers, cooling hoses, brake pipes, brake cylinder rubbers, and a re-cored radiator; the core plugs were removed and the waterways jetted out.

The car was then entrusted to Vicarage Jaguar for subtle adaptations to improve the driving experience. A five-speed Getrag gearbox was fitted, along with power steering. Alternator electrics were hidden within the original generator casing, and additional upgrades included a Kenlowe turbo fan, halogen headlamps, and a replacement windscreen made specifically for the car. Following these works, the Mark V participated in an 1,800-mile tour of Ireland with the Jaguar Drivers’ Club in 2013, where it won Best in Show at the Irish Jaguar Club Concours in Dublin against 1,250 other cars. It continued to be enjoyed until its sale to the current owner on 1 October 2017.

In current ownership, chassis 640371 has been cherished and enjoyed as part of a small family collection. The car has been well maintained and used regularly but is now offered for sale simply due to age. Recent works include a replacement master cylinder in July 2024 and a new exhaust in April this year.

Included with the vehicle is a comprehensive history file containing the original service manual and operating handbook, a magazine article featuring the car post-restoration dated 2007, a memory stick with photographs from a previous owner, a dating certificate, previous correspondence, and invoices and receipts for works undertaken. Also accompanying the car are the original four-speed gearbox, all parts removed for the power steering conversion, jack, wheel brace, and a largely complete original toolkit, with just a couple of components replaced.

For more information, please contact:
Andreas Hicks
andreas.hicks@handh.co.uk
07929 363573