1951 Jaguar MK5

This exceptional Jaguar MkV underwent a comprehensive restoration back in 2009-10 and the proof is in the pictorial pudding, with a lovely selection of photographs of the body-off process available to view in our Gallery, below. 

“It still remains in stunning condition,” says vendor, Graham Morris. “It’s in superb condition underneath, as well as on top. It drives very well for its age; there’s a bit of jostle to the ride compared to modern cars, but you really do feel like royalty driving it and it attracts admiring glances (and conversations, aplenty. The seats are comfy and soft and it has a lovely sporty exhaust note”.

Graham has done a little bit of light fettling since buying the Jaguar nine months ago, including fitment of four new Radial tyres and having the carburetors balanced, as well as having the engine oil and filter changes circa 30 miles ago.

“I’ve used it for three longer trips down to Herne Bay to see friends and Sunday morning drives to the local shops. I have to admit though, I overstretched my savings a touch in purchasing it – hence the sale”. 

It’s time for a parting of the ways between man and machine, but that does open up an opportunity for another person to step in and become custodian of this glorious machine. 

For us, the Jaguar MkV marks (no pun intended) a visual sweet spot between the earlier large headlamp pre-war SS style and its later, larger saloon beasts. 

Yes, the latter benefitted from having the legendary XK engine under their respective bonnets, but there’s no denying the stunning penmanship at hand in the design of the model; it’s a sultry combination, with its discreet front end, art-deco (esque) side profile and wildly swooping derriere.

The post-restoration light use and care is evident from the exterior condition; the paintwork remains in superb condition with just one or two small blemishes present (such as those on the horizontal panel immediately behind the front bumper and number-plate.

Wheelarches, sills and jacking points look to be corrosion free. Brightwork too remains in very good health with just the start of a little light pitting on the radiator’s Jaguar badge proving the only detriment to a full thumbs up. 

The disc wheels are finished in a matching colour and further enhance the period aesthetic. 

It’s one fine feline.

The elegant and discreet exterior hue hides a secret because popping a door reveals a wildly plush red leather interior; it’s like finding out on your wedding night that your prim and proper English rose is actually a bit of a tiger. 

It’s clear again in here that no expense was spared in this car’s restoration. The front seats remain wonderfully sprung, with mark-free leather that just on the cusp of developing patina; in the rear, they remain in perfect post-restoration nick. Carpets are in identical condition. The door cards are veritable works of art with their respective zipped storage pockets. 

Up top, the headlining remains plush and its light fawn colour lends the cabin a light, airy disposition – something that’s further enhanced by utilising the sunroof. 

The walnut veneers retain a deep and rich colour; there’s a touch of creasing around the tachometer but it’s not detrimental to the overall cabin feel. 

Pop the boot and you will find it trimmed to the same high standard and in matching materials. The tool kit is stowed in a compartment within the boot lid (there is a thin scratch at the bottom of this, just below the hinge pivot point) and you will find it two tools shy of the full complement – Beaulieu Autojumble here we come… 

A spare wheel is also stowed in yet another compartment located between the rear bumper overriders. 

Graham stated that the Jaguar’s underside was just as good as the exterior and a quick flick through the Mechanical section of our Photo Gallery confirms that to be the case. 

The chassis is straight and true. Suspension leaf springs remain in excellent health with little sign of surface rust. Everything is well protected and the level of finish, and attention to detail, is high, with brake piping well secured and fresh looking suspension and steering components. A stainless steel exhaust system is fitted, and gives a surprisingly sporting note.

The under bonnet environment is clean and smart in appearance with perhaps only the cast iron manifold in need of a visit to a blasting cabinet followed by a quick refinish – if the next owner so wishes, of course. 

The car itself drives superbly with a thoroughly jaunty disposition and a surprising turn of speed. If Graham was keeping the car the only tweak he’d do is to perhaps fit overdrive to lengthen its motorway and dual carriageway legs.

The included V5c registration certificate confirms the MkV’s date of first UK registration as 15/06/2011, with the car having had one former owner since then. A recent online vehicle check confirms its importation into this country, as well as no issues with theft, finance or having been written off.

You will also find a Jersey Old Motor Club eligibility certificate in the history file, showing that the car wore the Island registration number ‘J1321’ and confirming that as its previous place of residence.

There are a plethora of invoices included, both for post-restoration maintenance and fettling, and the parts/labour required for car’s renewal back in 2009-10. Also, and most importantly, present is the comprehensive photo guide to that process; this shows a breakdown of each step. 

A Jaguar Service Manual for Mark V Saloon and Coupe Models is included, as are two spare parts catalogues, and a wiring guide.   

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos to support our claim that this car has been restored to a very high standard and then maintained impeccably. 

The world of modern automobile design isn’t what it used to be; sales spiel for high-performance machines centre on how much ‘carbon’ addenda it has, whilst electric beasts increasingly look like something off the set of Battlestar Galactica. 

Okay, rant over. Instead, take a look at what craftsmen in this country used to be capable of producing: svelte, elegant and exquisite machines such as this Jaguar MkV. Chrome, sweeping curves, spats, wood veneer, leather… all the good stuff.

This example has had the proverbial kitchen restoration sink thrown at it too, in 2009-10. The net result is undoubtedly an example that, to this day, remains one of the best of its kind. It’s the desirable 3½-Litre model too, with 126bhp as opposed to 104bhp. 

We think this sultry six-cylinder feline will realise £25,000 to £30,000. Its disposition means that it would certainly make a fine wedding car, but equally an exquisite Sunday morning cruiser or even a classic car show star. How about television? We can just imagine a starring role in the next Agatha Christie adaptation. 

This is one charming Jaguar.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this car is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ; viewing is strictly by appointment, to arrange a viewing, please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.