1949 Jaguar Mk. V 3½-Litre Saloon
No Reserve – Entered from the Alyth Collection

Registration No: Un-Registered
Chassis No: 620694
MOT: Exempt

• Entered from the Alyth Collection, a collection of motor cars kept in storage in Scotland for over 30 years
• A worthwhile project

The Mark V was unveiled on September 30th, 1948, and launched on October 27th at the London Motor Show, sharing Jaguar's 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 2½ or 3½ 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.

Perhaps the best-looking of all the upmarket Saloons of the immediate post-war era—and considerably cheaper than a Bentley—Mk. V Jaguars are nevertheless a very rare sight. William Lyons’s artistic eye and love of curves resulted in a shape that seemed to flow effortlessly through the air, while more upright designs of the period had to push their way through it. Sadly, nothing really is known about this example, except that it has spent some thirty years or more being preserved in the Alyth Collection of predominantly Rolls-Royces and Bentleys in Scotland. The fitment of the number plate ‘ANO 18A’ would suggest it was reregistered in Essex in 1963, but the D.V.L.A. no longer holds any records of that number.

While clearly in need of total restoration, the work certainly appears to be within the capabilities of a skilled restorer, though it will obviously take much time and commitment. Although partially dismantled, many parts are supplied with the car. There is no doubt that it can be put to good use, either as a project or a spares donor, but such a rare and attractive design surely deserves saving.

There is no paperwork with this lot.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430