1951 Jaguar MkV 3½-Litre Drophead Coupé
Rare right-hand drive example

Registration No: 425 XUF
Chassis No: 640139
MOT: Exempt

• 1 of just 108 right-hand drive examples manufactured
• Matching chassis and engine numbers and original colour combination
• Lavished with extensive mechanical and cosmetic enhancements in both 2015/6 and 2019
• Offered with a large history file

The MkV was unveiled on 30^th September 1948 and launched at the London Motor Show a month later where it shared stand space with the XK120. Whilst the XK120 stole the show, the MkV vastly outsold it by roughly 3,000 cars per year. The MkV retained the 1946-48 driveline including the overhead-valve pushrod straight-six 2½ and 3½-litre engines. The chassis was new, however, with independent front suspension by double wishbones and torsion bars, a feature of many future offerings from Jaguar. It also had hydraulic brakes and an all-pressed steel body. Just 108 right-hand drive 3 ½-litre Drophead Coupes were produced, as most were built for the LHD export market.

Manufactured in 1951, this rare UK-supplied example was dispatched via Henlys Limited, London, in January that year. Originally finished in the complementary colour combination of Suede Green paintwork with Suede Green leather interior upholstery and a matching hood, it was specified with the larger 3½ Litre engine (which had been used to such good effect by the more potent SS100s). Able to boast its factory-fitted powerplant, the Drophead Coupe – like all MkVs – employs a four-speed manual gearbox. Initially restored in the early 1990s, ‘425 XUF’ was further improved by its previous custodian.

In c.2015, chassis ‘640139’ was treated to a full repaint in its original colour scheme, as well as extensive mechanical improvement with a complete brake system overhaul, a new exhaust system with reconditioned manifolds, a reconditioned steering box, renewed cooling system including radiator pipes and hoses, new fuel lines and replacement engine gaskets all provided. New tyres were fitted at this time, with the electrics all scrutinised and an electric choke fitted, plus servicing throughout. In 2019, further attention was provided to the Three-Position Drophead Coupe with a renewed hood along with the insulated headlining, the interior woodwork was removed and treated, and various chrome fixtures and fittings were also refinished.

Supplied with a large history file, this is a rare opportunity to purchase one of the beautiful MkV Dropheads, in 3.5-litre guise, of which just 108 right-hand drive examples were made. An elegant car that surely embodies Jaguar's famous advertising tagline of “Grace, Space, Pace”.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452