Description
JJW 591 was manufactured on the 29th June 1951, despatched on the 12th July and supplied new by Attwoods. This wonderful Jaguar MKV DHC was first registered on the 29th August 1951 and first owned by Chartered Accountants Richard Place & Co of East Grinstead, Sussex. From the present and original brown 'buff' logbook we know the Jaguar changed hands in 1960, staying in East Grinstead. The new owner reportedly used the Jaguar until 1975 and then stored the car until 1991. In 1991 the Jaguar changed hands within the same town again and after 16 years off the road, was subject of a £22, 000 restoration. In 1997 the Jaguar left East Grinstead for London, selling with a guaranteed mileage of 39, 920 miles. Between 2013 and 2015 a further £20, 000 plus was spent on a major body restoration and re-chrome, and in 2019 £24, 000 spent taking the car to an exceptional show class that also included a full engine rebuild and major engine bay work.
The initial restoration was carried out by a specialist in the South West and the level of work has been very well documented. The £22000 expenditure included a full professional re-trim, chrome plating, new glass, door handles, rear lights, chrome strips, hinges, rubber matting and chrome strips to running boards, door locks and all new rubbers. The wings, running boards and boot lid were removed and the Jaguar body was fully stripped down and repainted. Mechanical work included fitting a new exhaust system, new shock absorbers, all new suspension bushes, steering rubbers and gaiters and engine and gearbox mountings. Bump stops were replaced, all hoses replaced, and all new ignition items were fitted. The 3. 5 litre engine was rebuilt with new main and big end bearings and new piston rings also fitted. The timing chain was replaced, and the gearbox dismantled. The wiring loom was replaced and various other work was included as part of the comprehensive rebuild. After changing hands in 1997, the new owner in London spent a further £4000 plus on various detailing and further improvement.
In late 2013, early 2014 the Jaguar was stripped down to bare shell and soda blasted, commissioned by a long-standing Yorkshire based JEC member who was unbelievably meticulous with a keen eye for attention to detail. The body was then rebuilt to a top class standard and painted in the cars original colour of Black. The bumpers were again re-chromed, as was the grill and various other parts. New wing piping was fitted, as were new rubbers, all seals and various fasteners. Hours of work were spent on the interior, woodwork and the tool box has been restored and is now complete down to the correct "Snail Brand" spanners. A correct period His Master's Voice radio was sourced and fully rebuilt to perfect working order and takes pride of place in the highly polished walnut dashboard. In 2014 mechanical work included replacing the clutch, re-conditioning the water pump, an engine tune and a steering system overhaul. Hours of detail work have been spent taking the car to an outstanding standard and we then sold the car to a JEC member in Wales who owned the car for over three years. In the three years, the car was displayed at events all over the UK. The car was invited to be on display with the JEC at Windsor Castle in 2017 and in 2018 invited by Nigel Webb to his open day at his Mike Hawthorn Memorial Museum. Over recent years the car has won best in show at the South Wales Classic Car Show in Cardiff, Best Post War car at Sherbourne Castle in Dorset and has attended and clearly been hugely appreciated and admired at many other shows across the UK.
In 2019 the Jaguar sold to a prominent Yorkshire car collector who treated the MKV to a brand new hood, full engine rebuild to include re-ground crankshaft, new pistons, main and big end bearings. The engine, and engine bay were extensively detailed and since then the Jaguar has covered around 500 miles. JJW 591 presents beautifully with top class, gleaming paintwork and immaculate bodywork. The panels are perfectly straight, the door gaps are excellent and the lines of the car are quite simply outstanding. The chrome work is of a high standard and the three position hood and hood cover are excellent and fit smartly. The leather upholstery is still in exceptional condition many years since being re-trimmed and the carpets and woodwork are excellent. The gauges are all correct and function, the steering wheel and door handles are in very good condition and the overall fine detail of the car is superb. The Jaguar MKV is exceptionally clean underneath and has clearly been very well preserved.
On the road JJW 591 is delightful with a fabulous strong engine holding excellent oil pressure. The performance of the 3. 5 litre engine is impressive and the Jaguar cruises comfortably at 60-70mph. The four speed gearbox is slick and changes perfectly and the steering is very direct. The car is quiet, comfortable, luxurious, powerful and a wonderful driving experience whether the hood is up or down. The Jaguar now records a mileage of over 47000, believed genuine from the documentation with the car. The history file includes an original ‘buff' logbook, MOT certificates dating back to 1975, Heritage Certificate and a detailed, comprehensive history file listing thousands of pounds worth of expenditure and both cosmetic and mechanical work. There are also many photos of the restoration work and recent photos with prizes at various shows and events. This is a very rare vehicle which is believed to be the third to the last in the production run, fitted with the latest factory handbrake conversion. This is without doubt one of the best quality Jaguar MKV DHC's left and is a true show piece worthy of any collection. The attention to detail is quite simply outstanding and the overall finish of the car is top class. This really is a unique, wonderful opportunity to purchase a very special, and cherished car.
