Highlights
- Previously restored
- Portugal-delivered, RHD example
- Wonderful condition throughout
- Enthusiast owned
The Appeal
Designed by William Lyons to compete with the larger, more expensive Bentley 3 1/2-litre in period, the Jaguar MKIV - originally marketed as the SS 3.5-litre, and later re-named following World War Two for obvious reasons - the retrospectively-named MKIV was virtually identical to the pre-war vehicle, with the exception of the badging and a few small period details.
This particular example comes from a knowledgeable enthusiast and serial vintage car enthusiast. Prior to this MKIV, they owned a Bentley 4 1/4 which they took across Europe, down to Italy and on other adventures.
Originally delivered new to Portugal and always configured as a right-hand-drive vehicle, this example has been previously restored and remains in excellent condition throughout, having been used sparingly by its current keeper.
History/Paperwork
- Delivered new to Portugal as a right-hand-drive example
- V5, showing 0 former UK keepers
- Jaguar Heritage certificate
- Previously restored in Portugal
- Strong, organised history folder
- Original registration document - exceedingly rare
- Engine rebuild / replacement - photographic record has been kept of this
First registered in 1947 in Portugal, this stunning MKIV has been cared-for and cosseted throughout its lifetime.
Delivered new as a right-hand-drive example and remaining as such for its entire life, this particular ‘big cat’ was originally out-shopped in Lavender Grey with a Suede Green interior.
During its time in Portugal - likely before or during its part in an extensive private collection - the car was restored extensively, including a re-spray into the current grey and with an interior re-trim in Claret Red.
Imported to the UK by the vendor during one of the various ‘lockdowns’ in the last few years, the car arrived in even better condition than it was advertised, to the current keeper’s pleasant surprise.
Since arriving in the UK, the car has required only minor fettling, and the vendor has gone through the process of re-building the water pump, converting the front sidelights to house hidden indicators, and fitting rear indicators below the bumper, though the original semaphores remain fully operational.
Whilst the car has been used sparingly in its current ownership, it has completed numerous journeys to shows, including a trip from Wiltshire to the legendary Goodwood Revival, with no issues whatsoever.
Now, presented in wonderful condition and from enthusiast ownership, this MKIV is only being sold due to a shift in attention to more water-based adventures, meaning one lucky bidder has the opportunity to obtain a cherished, previously-restored and ready-to-use Jaguar.
The Interior
- Re-trimmed to a very high standard
- Excellent condition throughout
- Period-correct stereo with modern upgrades
Inside, the cabin of this MKIV presents in wonderful condition throughout, having evidently been used sparingly since being re-trimmed in its current Claret Red leather with matching carpets.
Importantly, all of the wooden trims and inlays are in excellent condition, with only light commensurate wear being visible throughout the majority of the cabin. There is a small area of damage/cracked trim on the offside rear door, though the missing piece is present with the vehicle, and is stashed in the glove compartment.
Both the front and rear seats display virtually no signs of wear, beyond the usual light creases and minor marks to the edges to attest to their use over the years. Up above, the headliner is taut throughout and the sliding sunroof panel is in full working condition, whilst the carpets and mats throughout the cabin are also in great shape.
The stereo unit is a period-correct optional extra, which has been extensively modified and overhauled by classic audio specialist Agenta Audio, retaining the original fascia but fitting modern internals, adding smartphone connectivity and USB charging without losing any of its classic appearance.
In the boot, the carpets are generally in good order, though the rear carpet is slightly coming away at the upper offside edge. The vendor has created a replica tool insert for the boot panel using an OE part, and the kit is largely complete save for the jack and a couple of smaller tools.
The Exterior
- Restored to a very high standard
- Great condition throughout
- Working semaphore indicators
Outside, the good news continues, with the paint and bodywork presenting in fantastic overall condition and having been carefully cosseted whilst in its current ownership.
The paintwork remains in great shape, with only a few very minor chips to the edges of doors, rear boot hatch and sunroof panel, though they are largely hidden until you look up-close.
In terms of the bodywork, this too is in good order throughout, though there is an indentation/crease noted to the front nearside wing, though the impact has not broken the paintwork.
Elsewhere, the various trims, badges and chrome details present wonderfully with only a few small marks visible on some of the older chrome work, but all items are present-and-correct. Importantly, the characteristic headlights - the largest ever fitted to a production car, we’re told - are in great condition with no damage to report.
All four of the wire wheels present in outstanding condition, with the vendor stating that he thinks they were all replaced with new items whilst in Portugal, which would explain their condition.
The Mechanicals
- Rebuilt 3.5-litre engine
- On-the-button, ready to use
- Rebuilt water pump
- Chassis/underside protected
Under the elegantly-styled bonnet with its up-and-over access hatches, the 3.5-litre engine at the heart of this MKIV is in rude health, having been extensively re-built during the car’s time in Portugal. The vendor notes that the engine is not the original unit, though the transmission is believed to be the factory-fitted item.
The full invoice for the aforementioned rebuild work is included in the gallery below, detailing the exact nature of the work that was carried out.
The block and ancillaries all present very well indeed, with only some light oil staining noted towards the bottom of the block on the nearside. The vendor re-built the water pump himself, and reports that the pump and the car’s cooling system are all in great health, with no cooling/overheating issues ever making themselves known during his ownership, even in dense traffic.
Starting on the button and settling into a smooth idle, the engine behaved impeccably during our photo shoot, and shows an idle oil pressure of around 45 lb/o”. the original bhp of the car as designed in its 3.5 litre form produced the same bhp as the Bentley 4 1/4 litre. The Jaguar boasts twin manifolds/ exhaust system, with a lighter body the Jaguar is very quick by the standards of the day and easily keeps up with the acceleration needs of modern motoring.
Underneath, the chassis looks to be in fine fettle, with an extensive protective coating to preserve its condition.
Summary
A pre-war vehicle in all senses other than its badging, this 1947 Jaguar MKIV presents in wonderful condition throughout, having previously been restored both mechanically and aesthetically whilst in its original home country of Portugal.
Offered for sale in ready-to-use condition and having proven itself mechanically during its current ownership tenure, this is an opportunity for any Jaguar enthusiast or collector looking to expand or begin their collection. Not to be missed!
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