2011-08-02 05:25:35 | Jordy writes:

William Lyons started his career with his small factory in Blackpool making Swallow Sidecars, shortly followed by a coachbuilt version of the Austin Seven, the Austin Swallow. In 1928 a new site was acquired in Coventry and production grew. The first complete car was the SS Jaguar 1½ litre saloon. This used a 1,609cc side valve engine supplied by nearby Standard Motors. This was soon complimented by 2½ and 3½ litre models and, of course, the staggeringly beautiful SS100. The engine on the entry model was soon enlarged to 1,776cc and from 1938 the bodies were made entirely of steel.

The performance of the 1½ litre was not its strongest suit, however 70mph was attainable and contemporary road tests praised the car highly for its ability to cover ground efficiently. After the war the company name was changed from SS to Jaguar Cars Ltd. and production continued with the old pre-war model range. The term Jaguar MkIV was introduced retrospectively to differentiate the model from the MkV which gained independent front suspension. In all, some 10,980 1½ litre SS and Jaguar cars were produced between 1935 and 1949.

First registered in London in May 1948, this Jaguar MkIV Saloon has clearly been off the road for many years but is thought to be at least 95% complete. Restoration on the car was begun by a previous owner about eight years ago and it is in somewhat better condition than it may appear in the photos.

The chassis has been restored and is still in good condition, while all the outer panels have also been repaired and will just need the surface rust removing, lead loading and finishing. The interior is all original and will need a fair amount of work although the front seats and the back of the rear seat are eminently saveable and will have a nice patina (eventually!).

The current vendor was told that the engine, gearbox and back axle had all been rebuilt but we have not been able to verify this. The engine is the original unit fitted to the car from new. The front and rear bumpers and all the original wooden door cappings and window surrounds are still present.

The number plate is original and transferable (JYH 161) and the car has both a modern V5C log book and an old buff log book. These pre-war Jaguar saloons are now very rarely seen and interest in them has increased considerably in recent years. This one should amply reward the sympathetic restoration that is now required.

CATALOGUE AMENDMENT: There is no buff log book with this vehicle, just the modern V5C.
Hammer price GBP3000