3,485cc OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
125bhp at 4,200rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Leaf Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Jaguar Heritage Certificate on file
*Matching numbers
*Older high quality restoration
*The ultimate all weather Jaguar

THE JAGUAR MK IV

The name 'Jaguar' was first used by SS Cars Ltd in 1936 to denote its new high-performance sports model, the SS100; company founder William Lyons later recalled: 'I immediately pounced on Jaguar as it had an exciting sound to me.'

'Jaguar' would be adopted as the marque name in March 1945, 'SS' having by then acquired a somewhat tarnished reputation and when like the majority of Britain's motor manufacturers, they commenced post-war production with a range of pre-war designs, albeit with some minor improvements. Essentially stopgap models pending the arrival of an entirely new generation of Jaguars, these comprised the compact 1½-Liter and the 2½/3½-Liter model, retrospectively known as the 'Mark IV', which still enjoyed an enviable reputation for strong performance, good road manners and well-appointed interiors.

Built on a generous 120" (3,048mm) wheelbase, the Mark IV retained a separate chassis featuring beam front and live rear axle suspension on semi-elliptic springs, lever-arm dampers, Burman worm-and-nut steering and Girling mechanical brakes. The stylish all-steel coachwork was available in saloon or drophead coupé forms and featured the kind of luxurious and well-appointed interior that would become a Jaguar hallmark. Used by SS Cars since 1934, the engine was Standard's rugged seven-bearing six which in Jaguar specification was fitted with a Weslake overhead-valve cylinder head and coupled to a four-speed manual gearbox; in 3½-liter form capable of propelling the sturdy Mark IV to over 95mph.

At the top of the Mark IV range was the decidedly voluptuous 3½-Liter Drophead Coupé, a full five-seater that boasted an ingenious three-position hood giving occupants the choice of open, closed or coupé de ville motoring. Utilizing the same all-steel body construction as its late 1930s SS Jaguar forebear, the newcomer appeared even more svelte thanks to a revised hypoid bevel rear axle that allowed the floor to be lowered by two inches.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The final Jaguar to join Professor Edmonds stable was the oldest and the precursor to the others, being this Mark IV which was acquired a dozen years ago. It was sold to him following an extensive restoration for its former owner, of what had been reported to be a good, sound, complete base car. In the early 2000s, the tally of bills accrued for the rebuild had exceeded $100,000, a considerable sum at lesser labor rates than today. By the spring of '09 the drophead was safely installed in Naples and in use and over the course of the last decade the Jaguar was routinely maintained by Manfred's Automobile Specialties.

As new, according to its Jaguar Heritage Certificate, the car had been built on June 9, 1948 and sent directly to the USA, being retailed through Hoffman of New York to its original purchaser. That same production record lists the original colorway of the black body, red interior and black top that it has been refurbished in, and confirms its stature as a matching chassis, engine and body.

Dean Edmonds appreciated this brand greatly, and loved the looks of this eye-catching example, with its black paintwork accented perfectly by the plethora of chrome. It is replete with all the period details one would expect including tools in the rear trunk lid.