Jaguar Mark IV drophead coupe - the 'first Jaguar' car - is for sale in UK

This luxurious Jaguar Mark IV classic car is auctioning tomorrow at Mercedes-Benz World, Kent

You'll have a chance to own your own Jaguar Mark IV drophead coupe at Mercedes-Benz World in Kent, UK, tomorrow (February 18) at a sale of rare classic cars.

This 1945-1948 Jaguar Mark IV was one of the marque's first cars after World War II. It is one of very few built for the right-hand-drive markets, as the required steel was strictly rationed at the time. As a result, fewer than 22 right-hand drive Jaguar Mark IV's were ever built.

The car's name is also intriguing, as there had been no Mk I to IV Jaguars back in 1948. The motor's Mark IV designation was given to it after the launch of Jaguar's subsequent Mk V to identify between the two cars. The four-door saloon Mark IV shared the same bodyshell as the Mark V.

This 1945-1948 Jaguar Mark IV also has the distinction of being the first car to bear the Jaguar name after 1945. (The former "SS" brand was dropped for obvious marketing reasons...)

The 1945-1948 Jaguar Mark IV classic car: the 'very epitome of its era'

Today, collectors and enthusiasts still regard the Mk IV Jaguar as being the very epitome of its era's British classic car design. Its notable features include huge chrome head lamps, sweeping wings and period running boards.

Inside the car, the driver and their passengers are treated to a luxurious leather interior. The Mark IV's inner style and opulence extends to French polished wood.

Bearing in mind that even this car's 1.5 Litre version was capable of maximum speeds of circa 70 mph, this 3.5 Litre could reach speeds of over 90 mph. This performance placed the Jaguar Mark IV among the top performing classic cars of its time.

According to the classic cars records, this three position drophead coupé was supplied to its first owner on 21 May 1948 by the prestigious firm Hoffman of New York. Hoffman was the sole importer of coveted English motorcars to the United States during the 1950s and '60s.

This 1945-1948 Jaguar Mark IV is still "running well and is an ideal cosmetic restoration project" say its lot notes. Billed as "a most impressive Three Position Drophead Coupé that will grace any collection," the car carries a £42,000-£52,000 presale estimate prior to tomorrow's sale.

Recent and related articles

  James Bond's Aston Martin DB5 returns in Daniel Craig-starring 'Skyfall' | 13 February 2012

  Classic Porsche 917/30 Can-Am Spyder - one of four extant - could race to $4m | 13 February 2012

  David Worrall, James Bond 'Most Famous Car' author talks '007' and cars | 12 February 2012

Your collecting

View our stock items for sale  |  How to start a collection

Guides and analysis

Investing in Classic Cars  |  10 reasons to invest in collectibles  |  Market information & demographics

www.paulfrasercollectibles.com

Images: Historics At Brooklands