Jaguar Cars - as William Lyons SS company had been re-named in 1945 - commenced post-war production with a range of essentially pre-war designs.

A considerable improvement on what had gone before, the MkV saloons cruciform-braced chassis featured torsion bar independent front suspension, designed pre-war by the companys Chief Engineer William Heynes, and all-round hydraulic brakes.

Jaguars existing Standard-based, six-cylinder, overhead-valve engine was continued in both 2.5- and 3.5-litre forms in the Jaguar Mark V, whose bodywork likewise maintained the pre-war tradition, though with minor up-dating in the form of faired-in headlamps, deeper bumpers, and rear wheel spats.

Like its immediate predecessor, the MkV was available in saloon or drophead coupe versions and featured the kind of luxuriously appointed interior that had become a Jaguar hallmark.

ABOUT THIS CAR

• Everything about this remarkable Jaguar has distinction; from the way it looks and sounds to the way it feels and performs on the road.
• Its wonderfully flexible engine is equally at home gliding through city streets or stretching its legs on the open road.
• Light, positive and self-centring steering delivers excellent feedback without transmitting unwanted road shock.
• It corners with impressive confidence, while its independent front suspension and extra-long torsion bars provide a delightfully smooth and refined ride.
• Most importantly, this is a genuine long-term ownership discovery, cherished by the same family for the past 50 years, with only one previous owner before them.
• Last repainted during the 1970s, the car would now benefit from a full repaint. The asking price has been set accordingly, presenting an excellent opportunity for its next custodian to finish the car to their preferred standard.
• Beneath the ageing paint, the body appears remarkably clean and well preserved.
• The interior presents very well, with attractive timberwork, good leather upholstery and tidy carpeting.
• The soft top remains in good condition and appears to have plenty of life left in it.
• The car is equipped with good tyres, will have a new battery fitted on sale.
• Mechanically, it feels sound and drives well, with a strong and willing engine.
• Accompanying the car are its original Certificate of Registration, desirable black “MK5” registration plates, factory operating manual and a selection of spare parts.
• Also included are fascinating historical maintenance records from Auto Restorations in Christchurch, dating back to the 1970s, a wonderful addition to the car’s provenance.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Engine: 3,485 cc inline six-cylinder
• Valve gear: Pushrod-operated overhead valves
• Power: Approximately 125 bhp at 4,500 rpm
• Carburettors: Twin SU
• Compression ratio: Approximately 7.2:1
• Transmission: Four-speed manual
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
• Electrical system: 12-volt, positive earth
• Front suspension: Independent double wishbones with torsion bars
• Rear suspension: Live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs
• Brakes: Lockheed hydraulic drums
• Steering: Recirculating-ball
• Wheels: Pressed-steel bolt-on disc wheels
• Wheelbase: 120 inches (3,048 mm)
• Overall length: Approximately 187–188 inches (4,760 mm)
• Overall width: Approximately 69 inches (1,750 mm)
• Overall height: Approximately 62–63 inches (1,590 mm)
• Weight: Approximately 1,800–1,900 kg
• Seating: Four/five occupants
• Body: Two-door timber-framed Drophead Coupé
• Hood: Three-position folding hood—closed, de ville and fully open
• Top speed: Approximately 90 mph (145 km/h)
• 0–60 mph: Approximately 20–22 seconds
• Fuel capacity: Approximately 17 imperial gallons (77 litres)
• RHD chassis prefix: 640

A truly elegant car. In its heyday, this was a car that expressed the British way of doing things.

It had an extraordinary ability to cover long distances at high speeds without tiring driver and passengers. Seventy miles an hour without stress or effort was something back in the day - even today it is a tonic traveling around in it.

This is a desirable classic car - rare too, as not many are still left in New Zealand. Its also quite nice to find one in this condition because you can see exactly what it needs, whats under the paint etc.

Car will be sold WOF’d and Registered IF sold in New Zealand.

TRANSPORT / WORLDWIDE SHIPPING CAN BE ORGANISED ON THIS VEHICLE ON BUYER'S BEHALF AT BUYERS COST.

Viewing is STRICTLY BY PRIOR APPOINTMENT only.

PLEASE READ: The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Classic Cars as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak.