2013-08-22 17:34:32 | SALOON Data writes:

The record was updated:

2012-05-18 07:04:49 | pauls writes:

Ebay item 5/18/12
cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mark-VII-M-4-speed-Manual-transmission-w-Laycock-Normanv ...
Current bid $1,186 reserve not met, 12 bids 1 day left in auction. Buy it now price $8,900.

Sellers description:
Unlike many of the large Jaguar sedans still available today, this one has bucket seats and four speed manual transmission with the Laycock de Normanville electric overdrive, so it evokes more of the sporting image. Note that this car has the full rear spats and, in my mind, is aesthetically purer than the Mark VIII and Mark IX in that it does not have the side chrome strips. The divided windshield adds to the sinister mystique--like a sedan for Cruella DeVille!! The rear leaf springs still have the leather coverings! The tachometer runs counterclockwise as in the XK 120. This car is unmolested and has much to recommend it for the purist.

This 1955 Mark VII Sedan is an M series Mark VII, which indicates the vehicle was equipped with special equipment. For instance the four speed manual gearbox had the electronic overdrive for highway driving on top gear. It also came through with bucket seats versus a bench seat. The car also was equipped with factory fog lamps and the 2 speed wiper motor. The 3.4 litre DOHC Jaguar engine for the Mark VII M produced 190 bhp. As the pictures show, the car still has the original interior-- not bad for 57 years old! The chrome trim around the windows is in good shape. The tools are missing, but the jack is still with the car. The car has been sitting for quite a few years, so it will need to be gone through thoroughly. All fluids will need to be drained and replaced, ignition system and brakes gone through, etc. I see a little rust on the passenger side sill, but it is not too bad. There is a rusted through place on the inside sill of the left rear door jam. The good thing about this car when you go to restore it is that it is in it's original state. No one attempted a restoration before. You get a lot of car for your money with this one. The car rolls and steers for easy shipping. Brakes are not functioning. (The handbrake is located between the front bucket seats.) The car is being sold for restoration as a project car. The paint job on some of the car is amateurish with brush marks. There is a sunroof. I am in Staunton, VA.

I will also include an Autobooks workshop manual that covers the XK 120, XK 140, the Mark VII and the Mark VII M. There are many mechanical similarities with the XK 120 and 140, including the front torsion bars.

This afternoon I removed the spark plugs, poured some Marvel Mystery Oil into each cylinder, put a white mark on the crankshaft pulley, put the car in third gear and pulled it with my Jeep. The engine does rotate. The man from whom I bought the car earlier this month had said in his listing that "the engine turns freely" and he had assured me that he had verified this before he listed it for sale, and I have now verified it myself.

2013-08-22 14:31:21 | pauls writes:

Car to be at auction 9/13
www.bonhams.com/auctions/20930/lot/422/

Auction description:
7 Sep 2013 14:00 BST Beaulieu, National Motor Museum
Collectors' Motor Cars
Lot 422
1955 Jaguar MkVIIM Saloon
Chassis no. 739422DN
Engine no. N1425-8
Estimate:
£4,000 - 6,000
US$ 6,200 - 9,300
€4,700 - 7,000
In terms of production numbers, a left-hand drive, manual transmission MkVIIM, like that offered here, is one of the rarest variants of this model. The Jaguar was exported to the USA in 1955 and returned some 12 months ago to form part of a large classic car collection. It has remained un-restored and is in exceptionally original, complete and untouched condition. We are advised that the chassis is excellent while the door shuts' line and fit epitomise the quality that Jaguar Cars produced at the time. The body is sound but does, as one would expect, require a degree of localised repair. The engine is original but has had a replacement cylinder head at some time in its life. The colour appears to have been grey originally, while the red interior is still intact. A wonderful opportunity to acquire a totally unmolested and rare manual MkVII for restoration at a most affordable price. The car comes with a State of Virginia Title and HM Customs & Excise Form C386 confirming that all import duties have been paid.