1951 Jaguar MK V 3.5 Litre Saloon

Lot details
Registration No: LXW 957
Chassis No: 625749
Mot Expiry: Aug 2012

Jaguar's post-WW2 offering remained largely unchanged until the 1948 Motor Show which, though forever associated with the launch of the sensational XK120 Sports Car, also saw the unveiling of the MKV range of Saloons and Drophead Coupes. Though clearly evolved from the MKIVs, the MKVs were based on an all-new, cruciform-braced box-section chassis. They also featured the independent front suspension set-up that William Heynes' had begun evolving in the 1930s, which comprised double wishbones and torsion bar springing. Braking was now hydraulically operated. Unlike the XK120 that featured the all new DOHC XK engine, power for MKV models was supplied by the OHV six-cylinder 2.5 and 3.5-litre units from the MKIV, the output of which was 104 and 126bhp respectively. The new all-steel body had a much more contemporary appearance, courtesy of its squatter radiator grille, more heavily raked windscreen, faired in headlights, 16- (as opposed to 18-inch) wheels, deeper bumpers, rear wheel spats etc. A 3.5-litre example tested by The Motor in 1949 recorded 20.4 seconds for the dash to 60mph and a top speed of 90mph. 7,814 examples of the 3.5-litre-engined Saloon are understood to have been manufactured before the entire MKV range gave way to the incoming MKVII one in 1951.

The right-hand drive Jaguar MKV offered is a 1951 Saloon powered by the larger 3.5-litre engine. It features Black coachwork and Brown leather upholstery and has apparently been the subject of a bare metal restoration by Bart Holland. Due to its forming part of a private collection for many years, the Jaguar has covered just 580 miles since the work was completed back in 1989. The vendor now views the bodywork, paintwork and engine as "excellent", the interior trim as "very good" and informs us that 'LXW 957' "drives superbly". Extensively recommissioned for road use following its emergence from the collection, this striking MKV comes with an MOT into August.