Lot details Registration No: RAC 998 Chassis No: 724428DN Mot Expiry: Jan 2008
Launched at the Earl's Court Motor Show in October 1950, the Jaguar Mk VII was a real 'tour de force' for the Coventry firm. A full five-seater saloon that could waft past 100mph, it was priced at just 40% of its Bentley MkVI rival. Built around a massive, cruciform braced separate chassis equipped with independent torsion-bar front suspension and large diameter drum brakes, it was powered by a 3,442cc version of Jaguar's legendary DOHC straight-six powerplant. Initially available only as a four-speed manual (automatic transmission did not become an option until 1953), it proved a quantifiable success in both the home and export-target American market. Given its graceful, stately lines and generous proportions it now seems a little incongruous that the Mk VII should have had such a glorious career as a rally and track car. However, with the likes of Sir Stirling Moss aboard, it carved quite a reputation as a sports saloon (though the great man's recollections of cornering with his left leg jammed against the front passenger door are not altogether flattering). Still the only Jaguar 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.
Finished in black with red leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "very good" condition with regard to its engine, four-speed manual plus overdrive gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork and wheels / tyres (while, he rates the paintwork as "fair to good"). Reportedly the subject of an older restoration and stored for a time, more recent work is understood to have seen 'RAC 998' benefit from "an overhauled overdrive unit and refurbished windscreen wiper". Riding on steel wheels, this imposing Jaguar is offered for sale with sundry restoration photographs, MOT certificate valid until January 2008 and historic class (free) road tax valid until March 2008.
PLEASE NOTE: The quoted chassis number and general appearance of this vehicle would indicate that it is one of the rarer, more desirable MKVII 'M' models. While, the engine number we have been provided with would seem to relate to a 3.8 litre XK DOHC unit.
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