Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2024 - Cars on Saturday the 9th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. The Jaguar MkV was officially unveiled on 30th September 1948 and launched at the London Motor Show a month later, sharing 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 Standard Swallow (SS) drivetrain including the overhead-valve pushrod straight-six 2½ and 3½-litre engines, the 3, 485cc six being rated at 126bhp. The chassis was new, introducing independent front suspension with double wishbones and torsion bars, a feature of many future offerings from Jaguar and it also had hydraulic brakes and an all-pressed steel body. The standard saloon was attractive, but the three-position Drophead Coupe was truly magnificent. The lovely canvas top had working Landau irons and could be fully fastened, folded half way back to give a Sedanca appearance, or lowered into a full convertible position. When open, it was easy to see the opulent leather and wood interior. Just 108 right-hand drive 3½-litre Drophead Coupes were produced, as most were built for the left-hand drive export market.
Built in 1950, this rare Australian-supplied 3½-litre example spent the vast majority of its life down under, benefitting from a Concours-level restoration by renowned restorer Peter Leach in the 1990s. Upon completion, the car was traded between collectors within Australia until it was repatriated in 2021. Finished in its original colours of Royal Blue with a cream leather interior, we understand that it retains its original engine and four-speed manual gearbox.
SXS 806 presents well in its original colours of Royal Blue with a cream leather interior and the Australian climate has been kind to the underside which is impressive. Since its arrival back in the UK, it's been looked after by marque specialist and SS gurus, Davenport Cars.
Supplied with a large history file, this is a rare opportunity to purchase one of the most beautiful 3. 5-litre, MkV Dropheads, one of just 108 built. An elegant car that surely encapsulates Jaguar's famous advertising tagline of 'Grace, Space, Pace'.
