2024-09-03 04:44:18 | Pekka T. writes:

In auction at: www.carandclassic.com/auctions/1950-jaguar-mk-v-35l-dhc-nMeVbn

Auctioneer's description:

Highlights

Rare early Mk V DHC
Retrimmed tan leather interior
Well presented black coachwork
Desirable 3.5L 125bhp model with Moss box
Enthusiast owned USA car

The Appeal
Visitors to Jaguar’s 1948 London Motor Show stand must have been at least slightly confused. Alongside the sleek, modern and thoroughly aerodynamic new XK120 was the firm’s new 4 seat sports saloon and convertible: the Mark Five. Where the XK was long and low, the MK V was much more conventional, exuding a reassuring pre-war style with a typical touch of Jaguar class.
History will subsequently favour the XK120 in our memories, but at the time it was the Mk V that was much more popular. After all, here was a luxury car at a decent price that offered a sense of solidity and timelessness in an era of uncertainty. Where the XK used Jaguar’s new XK engine, the MK V continued the Standard-sourced OHV straight six in 2.5litre and 125bhp 3.5litre displacements.
The saloon sold well but only 577 LHD DHCs were built. Chassis records indicate that this is car number 68, built in 1950. It has clearly spent much time in the USA - there are some enthusiast badge bars to peruse in the photographs - and arrives here in smart, presentable condition with a retrimmed interior.
The MK V DHC is rare and statesmanlike. This one is a timely reminder why we should rever these lovely vintage cars.
The History and Paperwork

Chassis records show the car was factory built in 1950
This appears to be car number 68 of the 577 LDH DHC 3.5litre cars built
Chassis 6 prefix indicates it left the factory as a genuine 3.5litre model
Various bar badges indicate a life in North America
Recently imported to the UK

The Condition

Tidy black paintwork in good order with only minor marks to note in photographs
Beige DHC factory roof arrangement with two-stage roll back settings
Chromework presents as bright and well finished with straight bumpers
Whitewall tyres in good, clean order showing plenty of tread
Cruciform braced factory chassis in generally good condition
There is surface rust and some localised issues to note on underside
Underside displays some new bolts and washers indicating recent work
Boot area shows some scuffs to trim and inner boot trim
Tan leather interior appears to have been retrimmed and retains protective front seat covers
Door cards have also apparently been retrimmed
Unmodified and well detailed interior including smart wood veneers
Cabin shows minor deterioration to veneers but not immediately obvious
Retrimmed carpets in good order with quality finish
Stylised Smiths dials and factory four spoke Bakelite steering wheel
Badge bar with decals from North American Jaguar clubs