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LOT 418

1948 Jaguar Mark IV 3½-Litre Drophead Coupé Registration no. HWR 875 Chassis no. 617175 Engine no. 54459

Sold for £29,812.50 inc. premium
Lot 418

1948 Jaguar Mark IV 3½-Litre Drophead Coupé
Registration no. HWR 875 Chassis no. 617175 Engine no. 54459

1948 Jaguar Mark IV 3½-Litre Drophead Coupé
Registration no. HWR 875
Chassis no. 617175
Engine no. 54459

Odometer reading: 18,532
MOT: Exempt


*One of only 46 survivors of 184 RHD 3½-Litre dropheads built
*Present ownership since 1982
*Maintained and kept in running order


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Footnotes

Told by the post-war government to 'export or die', the British motor industry responded valiantly, none more so than Jaguar, soon to become the UK's biggest US dollar earner. Indeed, Jaguar's Mark IV drophead coupé was built almost exclusively for export, the majority being allocated to the USA. Production spanned little more than a year (1947-1948) during which only 184 Mark IV 3½-Litre drophead coupés were built in right-hand drive configuration plus a further 317 LHD cars, 49 of which were delivered in 'Complete Knocked Down' (CKD) form.

In his definitive book on the marque: SS & Jaguar Cars, written in association with Jaguar Heritage using their detailed archives, Allan Crouch states that there are only 46 right-hand drive 3½-Litre drophead coupés left in the world, making this exclusive variant among the rarest of all Jaguar's post-WW2 production cars.

This 3½-litre Mark IV was in pristine working order when it was purchased by the current owners in 1982 following its 'Car of the Year' award at London's Earls Court Motor Show. Over the course of the last 39 years the Jaguar has been maintained and kept in running order, including extensive work in 2003 that included a complete engine overhaul and a new exhaust system. More recently the clutch was replaced, since when the Mark IV has been used for a number of family weddings. It has seen very little use in recent times and is sold strictly as viewed.

Vendor Score Total: 62 /100

Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.

Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well

EXTERIOR TOTAL: 16 /25
Body Work: 3
Paint: 3
Glass: 4
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 3
Wheels/Tyres: 3

RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 13 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 4
Axles: 3
Suspension: 3
Brakes: 3

INTERIOR TOTAL: 12 /20
Seats: 3
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 3
Headlining: 3
Trim: 3

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 6 /10
Main components: 3
Ancillary components: 3

ENGINE TOTAL: 12 /20
Starting: 3
Running: 3
Under Bonnet: 3
Mechanical components: 3

Car History File: 3

Saleroom notices

Please note the chassis number reads 617173

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