• Purchased as a project in 1980 and restored over a 5 year period
• Jaguars elegant post war luxury saloon • Lovely two tone black over red • 3 previous owners from new • RHD UK market car
The Appeal
The 1950s was the heyday for the luxury saloon with elegance and sweeping lines making it one of the most graceful design periods for the motorcar. The Jaguar Mark V, which was launched in 1948 alongside the XK120, firmly established the British firm as the producer of some of the worlds most beautiful cars. The Mark V saloon set new standards for passenger comfort with lashing of leather and a finely appointed wood dash making it a positively luxurious way to travel.
• Norwegian registration document in owners name • Restoration featured in Thoroughbred & Classics Magazine July 1986 • Jaguar Operating & Maintenance Handbook for Mark V • Jaguar Service Manual for Mark V
This particular Jaguar Mark V is the 2.5 litre model, was built in 1950 and said by the owner to be a matching numbers cars. It was rescued by a gentleman called Graham Garrett in 1980. He found the car in a breakers yard sat alongside a dilapidated Rover P4. Taken by how sound the big old Jag appeared to be, Garrett decided to rescue it and it was only when he got the car home that he realised how rusty it was under its seemingly presentable white paint.
The story of the cars rescue is documented in an article that was written for an issue of Thoroughbred & Classics Magazine, which was published in July 1986. It documents Garrett’s five year journey restoring the car from the ground up. The body off restoration involved removing considerable amounts of rust and the fabrication of new metal. The engine and gearbox was also rebuilt. The original interior, which was completely ruined, was retrimmed with new Connolly leather and carpets. New wood veneers were also made for the dash and door cappings. After five long years, Garrett finally completed the restoration and returned the big luxury saloon to the road. Fast forward to today and the Jaguar Mark V has made its way to Norway and its current owner, who is selling as he has too many other cars.kzk0PEx26GaWigDLj4m12LiTtW23pQ2e8IEhM1X0.jpeg44.06 KB
The Interior
• Connolly Leather retrim in 1980s • Wood veneers restored in the same period
You can just imagine the wonderful smell of the wood and leather inside this old Jaguar saloon. It is a combination that makes classics of this era such wonderful places to sit in. Looking through the photos of the interior of the Mark V, it appears to have held up very well since its restoration over 40 years ago. The detailing of the dash and the gauges is delightful and have a nice aged look.
The red leather seats bear some evidence of wear here and there but this is to be expected for an older restoration. The door cards look to be very clean and in good order.
The seller describes the carpets as being in fair condition and the headliner is described as being good.
On the outside the seller describes the two tone black and red paint as being in good but not perfect. Again being an older restoration, the paint does have some marks and imperfections but appears to have held up well.
The seller notes there are some blemishes on one front bumper horn and on the radiator grill. The Jaguar's chrome trim does show signs of age with some pitting evident but this adds to the cars overall patina.
• Jaguar 2.5 litre straight six • 4 Speed Manual Gearbox • Said to be matching numbers
The seller states that the Jaguar Mark V drives very well and the engine is described as being smooth. He says it accelerates as it should and the brakes work well. He notes there are some small leaks and it does smoke occasionally, which are often the characteristics of a classic of this era. The cars wipers are currently not working.
The underside appears to have held up well since its restoration in the 1980s. There is evidence of some corrosion in the rear of the chassis which is noted in the photos.
This 1950 Jaguar Mark V is a very elegant saloon that wears its older restoration well. It harks back to a more relaxed and graceful era of motoring. We can just imagine ourselves sat behind that big steering wheel, admiring the beautiful wood dash and drinking in that leather aroma.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
