Description
1947 Jaguar MkIV 1. 5 Saloon
With its imposing leaping cat radiator mascot and sweeping pre-war design coachwork, this rare and vintage Jag is in remarkably well preserved condition having had only 4 Bishops Stortford owners across the first 51 years of its life, it is offered with extensive history including the buff logbook, original manufacturer's guarantee document (sadly now expired) previous MOT certificates and tax discs, and a V5C document.
The rakish SS coachwork is finished in unblemished two tone Silver Metallic, inside the car’s wooden fittings – dash, door cappings etc. – are in good original condition. and it has deliciously patinated leather hide upholstery with suitable accompanying aroma, so beloved by true vintage vehicle aficionados. (so original we don’t want to disturb its natural patina) The woollen headlining has recently been renewed by Aldridge Trimming. Benefitting from wire wheel refurbishment and new tyres, costing some £1, 200 and recent bare-metal bodywork paint and restoration. The superb owner’s toolkit is also present in the boot lid, a guaranteed Concours winning feature. It is a sheer delight to drive and takes one back to the golden age of British Motoring like no other car can. I had a 2, 5 litre model when I was 18 but it was a basket case compared to this example, mind you I only gave £12 ten shillings for it, but was still 2 weeks wages!
Car History
Chassis number 413539 was manufactured in 1947 and was supplied new through Moors Garage in Bishops Stortford to the first owner, Mr. E. F. Cooper, a distinguished local man, being first registered on the 28th October. the MkIV interestingly spent the first 51 years residing in Bishops Stortford across only four owners. Venturing to Suffolk with its fifth owner in 1998, the Jaguar was purchased by the last keeper in 2022 for £24, 995 from Trojan Cars in Portsmouth. He spent £1, 200 on a wire wheel refurb and we have recently spent over £10, 000 on a full bare metal repaint, new wool headlining by Aldridge trimming, woodwork re-lacquer, mechanical inspection and MOT Certificate to March 2026. The mileage is recorded at some 8, 800 miles with supporting evidence suggesting this figure is correct from the 1970s to the present day. There can be few cars with 78 year old documentary elements from the Jaguar factory Despatch Dept which have been preserved in mint new condition, apart from the Owner’s Instruction Book, Warranty and buff logbook there is a leaflet on the Clayton Delaware Air Conditioning System (a rare UK option) Tecalemit oil filter, a book of Jaguar Service Vouchers, a ‘Tyres & Your Jaguar’ Booklet, and Delivery acceptance form itemising the contents of the owner’s toolkit, never seen provenance like this before, but is a sure sign of careful ownership. Sadly the original Reg Nr (JAR 888) has been sold and now resides on a USA Ford Mustang somewhere, what a sacrilege! Consequently the car now bears a suitable age-related plate. All books and tools.
Car located in Lytham St Annes in Lancs, transport arranged at £1. 60 per loaded mile. For more on this exceptional Jag, call John on number above.
Marque History
The Jaguar MkIV was Jaguar’s first car following WWII and was produced between 1945 and 1948. Manufactured using a 120” separate chassis featuring beam front and live rear axle suspension on semi-elliptic springs and Girling mechanical brakes, it was offered with three engine variants; four-cylinder 1½ Litre, or six-cylinder 2½ / 3½ Litres coupled to a four-speed manual gearbox. The stylish all-steel coachwork was available in four-door saloon or drophead coupe configurations featuring the kind of luxurious interior typically associated with the Jaguar. In addition, it featured distinguishing chrome headlamps and a prominent chrome radiator grille. Very few of these magnificent Jaguars were built for the right-hand markets as steel was being rationed for goods for export.
