1947 Jaguar Mark IV Saloon

Jaguar production was revived in the post-World War II era - in late 1945 - by company founder William Lyons. The cars that immediately followed carried styling from the pre-War vehicles (1937-39 styling). They had swoopy close-coupled bodywork, with flowing fender lines and a traditional upright radiator grille flanked by large headlamps. They rode on wire wheels and would be produced through 1948, at which point a new design was introduced - the Mark V series.

This Mark IV saloon has a two-tone color scheme of red-and-cream with a red leather interior with wood instrument board and interior garnishments. It has all-steel body construction, a 1775cc inline four-cylinder engine, and a four-speed manual transmission.

This is a rare 'S' model which has the Harry Weslake-designed high-output overhead valve cylinder head, sunroof and heater. The car has had just four owners since new and has covered only 56,000 miles. The original owner was Lt. Anderson, an American medical officer stationed at the time in the United Kingdom. The next owner was the wife of a Los Angeles movie producer. The car later passed to a Seattle collector, from whom the current owner obtained it in 2003. In 2006 it was given a complete body-off restoration. It has its original tool tray and European-style 'Trafficator' turn signals. It has been submitted for Jaguar Club of North America (JCNA) judging several times, and has averaged 99.8 points.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Quail Lodge Sale in Carmel, CA presented by Bonhams Auction. The car was estimated to sell for $45,000 - $55,000 but was unable to find a buyer willing to satisfy its reserve. It would leave the auction unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2012