Surely everyone's familiar with Jaguar, but we'd wager few know that the name has its origins as a model, rather than a brand. The name 'Jaguar' was given to a line of saloons built by former sidecar manufacturer SS Cars Ltd. For obvious reasons, such a name wasn't wise following the events of the Second World War, so in March 1945, SS Cars became Jaguar Cars. The rest, as they say, is history...
We're delighted to offer one of the newly formed firm's first post-war cars, a 1948 Mark IV. This is the 3 ½ litre model - the final and most powerful iteration of the MKIV. Supplied new to the USA, it's one of just 35 known left-hand drive survivors of 162 built and now resides in Poland. It has been restored to 'Concours' condition and has been superbly maintained ever since. It's confirmed matching numbers, and so is sure to be welcomed at prestigious events the world over.main photo.png5.45 MB
History and Paperwork
Built on 22nd July 1948 and exported to the USA
Sold new to a client in Los Angeles on 12th August 1948
Imported to Poland in October 2000
Extensive service history with invoices for work performed and parts purchased
Matching numbers, confirmed by JDHT
One of only 35 left-hand drive 3 ½ litre Mark IV saloons known to have survived
The vendor provides the following known history of the car:
"Built on 22nd July 1948 in the Jaguar factory, this car was exported to the United States of America and sold new to a prominent client in Los Angeles. The car was dispatched to the first owner on 12 August 1948. The car was one of only 21 cars ordered by Charles Hornburg, one of the most prolific Jaguar distributors in California at that time, as the Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate shows.
In October 2000, the car was imported from the USA to Poland, on request of the then president of the biggest Telecom company in Poland. The proud new owner spent over 20 000 EUR (40k EUR in today’s money value) to bring the car back to its Concours condition. This has included a full engine rebuild, refurbished cooling system and upholstery reconstruction. New paint was also applied on the car. An extensive service history, including a number of invoices for work performed and parts purchased, is part of the car's documentation.
Twelve years later, the current owner, Matt, bought the car after many years of searching for Mark IV in impeccable condition. Since then, the car has gone only 2250 miles, as the odometer shows. She has been meticulously maintained both mechanically and cosmetically, safely stored in a dry, air-conditioned garage when not driven. The result today is a sweetly running example with good oil pressure and a great engine.
For the last twelve years, Matt has been searching for and collecting tools for his car - the result is full tool kit which is often missing. Over the years, Matt has developed his passion for Mark IV cars. Two years ago he founded “Jaguar Mark IV Lovers” group on Facebook, which currently brings together 70% of Mark IV car owners from all over the world.
This Jaguar is part of a Jaguar cars collection and, according to Jaguar Heritage Trust files, is one of only 35 left-hand drive 3 ½ litre Mark IV saloons that survived (see an excerpt from Allan Crouch book “SS & Jaguar Cars 1936-1951”). It is matching numbers car, which Jaguar Heritage certificate confirms."
The Jaguar is accompanied by:
Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate
Car cover specially tailored to this car
Original literature pack: instruction book, service manual, maintenance chart
Wheel spinner removal tool
Original sales brochure for 1948 Mark IV model year
Jaguar Mark IV diecast model, ordered as exact replica of the real car
Documentation from the service works done on the car with invoices
Two car keys with original Jaguar keyring from early 1950’s
Vintage Ace Jaguar showroom license plate
Three bookmarks with illustration of this particular example
The Condition
Two-tone black and beige paintwork
Beige leather interior
Original Lucas P100 headlamps and FT58 fog lamps
Factory air conditioning unit and sunroof
Stored in a dry, air-conditioned garage
This Mark IV is exceedingly elegant and we're informed that the restoration was performed to 'Concours' standards. It certainly presents brilliantly, with an immensely deep lustre to the paint and barely any signs of wear whatsoever inside and out.
It's superbly finished in a fantastic two-tone black and beige paint scheme with an impeccable beige leather interior. The vendor notes that the original Lucas P100 headlamps are retained, as is a rare factory air conditioning unit, original Lucas FT58 fog lamps and factory sunroof.
We're sure this Mark IV would be welcomed at even the most prestigious classic car shows and it may even take home some silverware.
The Mechanics
3.5-litre straight-six petrol engine
Four-speed manual gearbox
Full engine rebuild completed during restoration
Refurbished cooling system
Sweetly running with good oil pressure showing
Meticulously maintained both mechanically and cosmetically since completion of the restoration
Impeccably presented engine compartment
This was the largest displacement and therefore most powerful of the Mark IV models. With 125bhp available via a four-speed manual gearbox, it was capable of sustaining high cruising speeds which are still more than adequate to sit on modern motorways.
The vendor informs us that the car's engine was rebuilt during the restoration and lifting the bonnet, we find one of the cleanest engine bays we've ever encountered. We're assured that it starts readily, idles smoothly showing good oil pressure and performs through the gears exactly as it should with no known issues. We're assured that it's been judiciously maintained ever since the restoration was completed and is ready to be enjoyed right away.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
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