Fantasy Junction

Description

1951 Jaguar Mk V 3.5L Drophead Coupe

Chassis No. – 647253
Eng. No. – Z2793
Exterior Color – Silver and Black
Interior Color – Wine Leather
Engine – 3.5L DOHC Inline-6 with twin SU Carburetors
Transmission – T5 5-speed manual
Current Miles – 65,339 miles TMU

General Overview

With the second world war having ended and nations beginning to rebuild, industries ended wartime austerity with new vehicles designed to meet growing demands as prosperity surged. Jaguar was already developing their model line to include the XK120, but their saloon line was groomed for production at the same time. Manufactured from 1948-1951, the Mark V was offered as a four door saloon and as a two door Drop Head Coupe. Configured with impressive technology for the times, these featured independent front suspension, hydraulic drum brakes, rear fender skirts, a newly designed frame, gorgeous newly designed exteriors, and beautifully trimmed interiors. 

Sharing the stage with the XK120 at launch, the Mark V achieved brisk sales powered by the venerable pushrod overhead valve inline six-cylinder engine mated to a four speed single-helical manual transmission. Both left and right hand variants were constructed over the three years of production, but the drophead coupe was among the rare variants, especially those powered by the later series 3.5L engine. Having been steeped in classic coachwork, Jaguar elected to produce a classic design with a flowing fender line, elegant hood line, and dramatic folding convertible top with landau bars. These desirable traits make the Drop Head Coupe one of the most desirable four seat Jaguars of the post war era.

History of this Jaguar

This Mark V is one of the last of the 577 3.5 L Drop Head Coupes built and one of just 57 examples assembled after chassis 647001, the final iteration of the Drop Head Coupe series. History gathered by current and former owners has documented ownership beginning with delivery to Hoffman Motors, NYC in 1951. Written documentation provided by the third owner indicates that the original owners retained car number 647215 in Buffalo, NY from 1951-1963. After a second owner purchased 647215, they dismantled it for restoration, but subsequently lost interest and sold it to the third owner in 1968, also a resident of Buffalo, NY. The third owner would own the car from 1968-2016, a remarkable 48 years, slowly purchasing parts to complete the restoration. As part of his efforts, the third owner also purchased a second complete car (647253) to support the future restoration. By 1983, car number 647253 was finished as a running car using the frame from 647215 to complete 647253. The owner amassed approximately 60k miles including rebuilding the engine and then storing the car in 1994. In 2009, the car underwent a comprehensive 2 year restoration (completed in 2011) still owned by the third owner.


As noted in the photographs documenting the restoration, the finishes, mechanical details, and attention to authenticity were all performed to very high standards. After the restoration was completed, the owner sorted the car including thoughtful upgrades enhancing the driving experience. These included increasing the radiator to a larger capacity to improve cooling, Pertronix distributor, a high output ignition coil, stainless steel exhaust with flex sections to reduce manifold pressure, and a 5-speed T5 manual transmission. After completion, the owner drove the car approximately 3,000 miles, eventually selling it to the fourth owner in 2016. The current owner purchased the car in 2022 Documents accompanying the car include detailed information on the history, handwritten notes on the service and maintenance details, and copious information outlining recommended fluid requirements, adjustments, top operation, and other key details prepared by the former long-term owner. Under current ownership, the car has been shown at local events and in 2023 was featured on the cover of JAGazette Magazine, a San Francisco Bay Area Jaguar Associate Group publication.

Condition Overview

Today this beautiful Mk V presents in excellent condition. Rarely seen finished to this level, the quality of the finishes and mechanical details are fitting for such a rare car. The exterior of the car shows excellent paint and chrome, still retaining the high gloss and luster from the restoration completed fifteen years ago. The panel fit is very nice throughout while the three-position landau bar convertible configuration adds to the elegance of this classic Jaguar design and the covered rear fenders, dual plane bumpers, and road lamps offer further vintage delight echoing classic prewar coachwork. The doors, hood, and trunk all open and shut with excellent fit and closure. The grill, exterior trim, lighting, lenses, and accent chrome are also in excellent condition with no major scuffs or scratches. A set of steel wheels with polished trim and center caps matching the two tone exterior finish wear white wall 6.5 R16 tires. The visual presence of this Jaguar is impressive, exhibiting excellent stance and elegant composition particularly so in the rare drop head configuration. 

Inside the car, the leather interior surfaces are in excellent condition including the contoured front bucket seats and rear bench seat. The fit and finish is remarkably fine from the carpets to the door panels with proper stitching and care given to even the smallest details. The opulent burled wood dashboard and surrounding door trim are very nicely finished with excellent fit and delicate touches of chrome detail. The instruments have been beautifully restored with contrasting dial faces and properly finished nomenclature. The four spoke steering wheel features a glossy center emblem, wrapped with matching wine colored leather. Behind the front seats, rear seating is finished in matching wine leather and burled wood trim continuing the finishes on each door. Both the front and rear seats are equipped with black seat belts to accommodate four passengers. The stately black canvas top drops down smoothly and stows easily in the rear section and can be covered with a black top boot included with the car. The top can be fully raised and latched to the windshield header or placed in the “Landau” position, covering just the rear passengers, offering a version of the desirable prewar coachbuilt Sedanca Deville configuration as an intermediate feature of the convertible roof. The trunk is correctly finished and houses an impressive original tool box with correct tools.

The engine compartment is correctly finished with proper polishing on the factory aluminum castings, correct gloss finishes on assorted black parts, and twin SU carburetors. While some time has passed since the restoration was completed, the evidence of excellence remains when viewing the engine compartment adorned by proper hardware, correct fasteners, and a clear focus on authenticity. The underside of the car was also restored and remains very nice today revealing the upgraded T5 transmission, upgraded worm/ball steering, and attention to detail consistent with the entire restoration.

The car starts easily and idles smoothly on choke, warming to a gentle idle. The clutch engages properly, and all gears operate smoothly from first to fifth gear. The engine exhibits progressive power to upper revs and pulls quite well given the impressive presence of such a fine touring car. Cruising on the highway or motoring though mountain roads, driving manners are delightfully sporty and fittingly luxuriant. Beautifully prepared for participation in any Jaguar club gathering or concours event, this beautiful Mark V will delight the next fortunate owner with a motoring experience only a vintage Jaguar can deliver.

Included with this Jaguar

This Jaguar is accompanied by a car cover and storage bag, a black convertible top boot, a set of front and rear carpeted floor mats, two Jaguar service manuals, an Operating and Maintenance handbook, a tire changing lug wrench, and a tool box with correct and original tools.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608