1951 JAGUAR

The Jaguar MkV was officially unveiled on 30th September 1948 and launched at the London Motor Show a month later, sharing stand space with the XK120. Whilst the XK120 stole the show, the MkV vastly outsold it by roughly 3,000 cars per year. The MkV retained the Standard Swallow (SS) drivetrain including the overhead-valve pushrod straight-six 2½ and 3½-litre engines, the 3,485cc six being rated at 126bhp. The chassis was new, introducing independent front suspension with double wishbones and torsion bars, a feature of many future offerings from Jaguar and it also had hydraulic brakes and an all-pressed steel body. The standard saloon was attractive, but the three-position Drophead Coupe was truly magnificent. The lovely canvas top had working Landau irons and could be fully fastened, folded halfway back to give a Sedanca appearance, or lowered into a full convertible position. When open, it was easy to see the opulent leather and wood interior. Just 108 right-hand drive 3½-litre Drophead Coupes were produced, as most were built for the left-hand drive export market.

Built in 1950, SXS 806 is one of those rare examples and was supplied new to Australia, where it spent the vast majority of its life. During the 1990s it benefited from a Concours-level restoration by renowned Australian restorer Peter Leach, subsequently passing between collectors before being repatriated to the UK in 2021.

Finished in its original combination of Oxford and Cambridge Blue over cream leather, it is understood to retain its original 3½-litre straight-six and 4-speed manual gearbox. Its many years in the Australian climate have also been particularly kind to the underside, whilst since returning to the UK it has benefited from attention by respected Jaguar and SS specialists Davenport Cars.

We had the pleasure of selling SXS 806 to its current enthusiast owner in 2024. Much of his enjoyment has subsequently come from improving and fine tuning the Jaguar, investing a considerable sum addressing age-related items, resolving various age-related electrical issues and fitting an electronic overdrive to 4th gear. The aim has been to bring what was already a very good MkV up to the exceptional standard in which it presents today.

Now, with advancing age resulting in the Jaguar seeing considerably less use than he would like, our vendor has decided to move the car on to its next custodian.

SXS 806 combines rarity, handsome original colours, a high-quality restoration and extensive recent attention. Offered at an attractive estimate, this wonderful Jaguar represents a tempting opportunity to acquire one of just 108 right-hand drive 3½-litre Dropheads produced, now thoroughly sorted and ready to be enjoyed.