Vehicle Description
The Jaguar stand at the 1948 London Motor Show was the source of
quite a few milestones for the Sir William Lyon's still-fledgling
car company. History books recall it as the place where the
sensational new XK120 made its debut, however the new sports car
shared the stand and the limelight with Jaguar's latest saloon, the
Mark V. While the XK120 stole the headlines with its stunning looks
and luscious twin-cam inline-six, the Mark V was equally as
sophisticated, if just a bit more understated, than its sporting
sibling. Most notably, the Mark V was the first all-new Jaguar
since the end of World War II. Since it beat the XK120 to
production, it was also the first Jaguar to use hydraulic brakes,
independent front suspension, pressed steel wheels, and it became
the first production car to use sealed ball-joints in the front
end; a design that was soon adopted by virtually every major auto
manufacturer since. The Mark V featured elegant styling, retaining
a traditional English formality while the XK120 hit the streets
with its sultry feline aesthetic. Mk V buyers had a choice of
either a closed saloon or the equally handsome open drophead-coupe.
Power came from either a 2 � litre or 3 � litre single-cam pushrod
inline six-cylinder engine, derived from a Standard unit used in
the Mk IV and SS100. The Mark V remained in production for just 28
months, with a touch over 10,000 units built before the updated,
XK-powered Mk VII replaced it (skipping the Mk VI moniker because
of its use by Bentley). Collectors covet these rare and beautiful
Jaguars for their swoopy baroque styling, luxurious accommodations,
and sporty road manners. Particularly in 3 �-litre form, they
return excellent performance and in many ways, are akin to a "poor
man's" Bentley Mk VI. This is a handsome example of the Jaguar Mk V
Saloon, in desirable 3 �-litre specification. Finished in an
attractive two-tone combination of dove gray over smoke silver
wings, this is a lovely car, wearing a well-maintained older
restoration. According to the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, this
car is a genuine 3 � litre model, delivered new to the United
States via the legendary Max Hoffman Imports in New York. The
extensive history file shows this car was purchased in the 1970s
out of Phoenix, Arizona by John J. Connor of New Jersey. Mr. Connor
owned the car for many years, eventually performing a ground up
restoration. The Jag had additional restoration work done in the
1990s and has since been lovingly tended to by a series of
enthusiast owners. It presents in attractive condition with the
glossy paintwork now showing a few touchups and minor imperfections
acquired from age and use. Brightwork is excellent, with tidy,
straight bumpers and the radiator shell presented with good plating
with some light polish marks in the finish. Options and accessories
include a factory sunroof, leaper mascot and a pair of Lucas fog
lamps. Factory correct pressed steel wheels wear original style
wheel covers, fitted with updated wide-whitewall radial tires.
Upholstery consists of beautiful red Connolly hides with red Wilton
wool carpets and burl walnut trim, conveying the warm and inviting
character in the classic British tradition. The high-quality
leather shows some slight creasing on the seating surfaces,
particularly in the front seats, which serves to add to the charm
and appeal. Matching red door panels are excellent. Extensive wood
trim features on the door caps, dash, windscreen surround and even
the around sunroof-opening. The finish quality of the woodwork is
quite good overall, with a few minor cracks and imperfections found
that does little to detract from the otherwise excellent cabin. The
wool headlining is outstanding, with matching upholstered sun
visors that fit flush against the roof. The coachwork allows plenty
of room for four adults, with a generous boot for everyone's
luggage. A hallmark of the Mk V is the extensive tool kit, cleverly
hidden within the bottom-hinged boot lid. This car's tool kit is
nearly complete, with excellent quality original tools and correct
green flocking in the storage panel. A period-correct 3 �-litre
inline six resides under the bonnet, fed by a pair of S.U.
carburetors as originally fitted. With a useful 125 horsepower on
tap, performance is brisk, hinting at Jaguar's sports saloons of
the future. Honestly presented with factory-correct finishes, the
engine is appropriately detailed, and it runs well. The inline-six
mates to a floor-shifted four-speed manual Moss gearbox which
contributes a good deal to the Mk V's sporting character. This
handsome Jaguar is a usable and desirable example, well-suited to
casual touring and club events. The older restoration remains crisp
and attractive, and the lush cabin is a beautiful place to spend a
day of motoring. Built in relatively low numbers, Jaguar's
beautiful Mk V is an important milestone in the firm's history, as
the first all-new post-war model, and as a precursor to the
legendary sporting saloon cars that would soon follow in its wheel
tracks.