Vehicle Description
This 1956 Jaguar Mark VII M was unquestionably one of the finest
cars in the world when it was built, and today it still puts many
luxury machines to shame. With an old-world presence that's been
enhanced by a stunning bespoke restoration, this build has managed
to do the impossible by combining elegant British luxury with
custom, restomod touches. And it all works in perfect concert to
result in one of the coolest cars we've ever featured at Streetside
Classics.
When you show up in this car, there's no question what it is, and
even someone who's never seen Coventry's own classic Jaguar before
will innately recognize that this is an important car with an
important person inside. The two-tone color combination is
full-custom and professionally executed, featuring a nice metallic
flake in the deep black bottom half, and custom ghost flames that
adorn the slick silver top and flanks. Jaguars were never this
flashy from the factory of course, but this show-stopping finish
really highlights the most interesting aspects of the car quite
nicely, particularly that long hood, sweeping front fenders, and
rounded rear quarters adorned with fender skirts. The paint job was
done in 2012 when the entire vehicle was restored, and because a
mere 500 miles have been driven on the car since, it has lost none
of the hand-crafted details that make this custom Jag so special.
It's unlikely you'll ever see another one at a red light, and even
at shows, this car will draw a crowd because everyone loves that
towering grille and familiar Jaguar hood ornament. And speaking of
the grille, it shines up beautifully and because this is a Mark VII
M (1954-1956 only), the auxiliary head lamps are mounted to the
front bumper and there are circular grille covers over the front
horns. There's enough beautiful chrome and brightwork on the rest
of the car to make it look very substantial indeed, and a sunroof
was added as yet another modern touch that sets this car apart from
the crowd.
Inside, the opulent black and gray leather upholstery is every bit
as elegant as you would hope in a car like this, albeit a tad dated
compared to newer Jags. For some, the interior may seem out of
character, but it's actually a very popular choice, hearkening back
to the days of early coachbuilding where the driver would get dark
leather seats to protect against stains. The front bucket seats
show very minor wear, while the rear seat, headliner, door panels,
and plush black carpets still look new and provide an added level
of royal comfort. That's real burled wood trim on the doors, seat
backs and trays, instrument panel, and dash, and while it shows
some signs of age, it also has a wonderful, warm patina that would
be a shame to erase. A centrally-mounted custom gauge panel is full
off Phantom white-face gauges, switches, and A/C controls, and
vents for the A/C were neatly installed below and they blow
R134a-powered cold air. The door panels and handles are pieces that
feel expensive and when it's closed up, the interior is as quiet as
a tomb, which helps tremendously when pumping tunes through the
Pioneer AM/FM/CD head unit that's been neatly hidden away in the
glove compartment. A B&M shifter splits the buckets and
controls the TH350 3-speed automatic transmission below, the
foot-print gas-pedal is a fun "classy-trashy" addition, and the
4-spoke Jaguar steering wheel reminds you very quickly that this is
still a fine piece of machinery, even though it may not take itself
too seriously anymore. Rear seat passengers are treated to wood
fold-down tables and there's a well-shaped, spacious trunk with
that's fully finished and adorned with Jaguar script.
Originally fitted with a DOHC Inline-6, the restorers of this fine
automobile immediately knew that an upgrade in power was needed in
order to quickly move all that substantial British steel. A
reliable 350 V8 was swapped in, and then topped with a Weiand
intake and Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor for added reliability. An
MSD distributor helps the small block immediately snap to attention
with a flick of the key, and a giant aluminum radiator keeps the
whole show nice and cool. The presentation under the hood was not
an afterthought either, but rather a focal point, evidence by the
smoothed firewall, organized hoses and wires, finned valve covers
and chrome open-element air cleaner. And with only 502 miles on the
build, everything is still incredibly clean and tidy in the engine
bay. To handle the extra power a TH350 3-speed automatic was added
during the build as well, and it spins a GM 10-bolt rear end,
meaning driving this Jag on long cruises is exactly what it's been
built for. Power steering and power disc brakes allows for
laid-back cruises, and the dual exhaust with Glasspack-style
mufflers provides the throaty soundtrack. Black wire wheels with
Jaguar spinners finish the look, and they're wrapped in 205/75/15
whitewall tires for a killer look.
With only 502 miles on the custom build, this one-off 1956 Mark VII
M is a truly special car. It's not often that bold styling changes
can upgrade an already amazing factory vehicle, but we think that's
exactly what's been pulled off with this awesome car. Call
today!