The factory demonstrator
1947 Jaguar Mark IV 3½-Litre Saloon

• Featured in The Autocar, 19th March 1948
• Restored in the USA during the 1980s and 1990s
• Numerous concours appearances in the USA
• Subsequently part of a private collection in Europe

Like the majority of Britain's motor manufacturers, Jaguar Cars, as William Lyons' SS concern had been renamed in 1945, commenced post-war production with a range of pre-war designs. Essentially stopgap models pending the arrival of an entirely new generation of Jaguars, these comprised the compact 1½-Litre and the 2½/3½-Litre model, retrospectively known as the 'Mark IV', though that designation was never used officially by Jaguar. Built on a generous 120" (3,048mm) wheelbase, the Mark IV retained a separate chassis featuring beam front and live axle rear suspension on semi-elliptic springs, and in its post-war guise incorporated a Salisbury hypoid bevel rear axle. The stylish all-steel coachwork was available only in saloon form (the pre-war drophead coupé had been deleted) and featured the kind of luxurious and well-appointed interior that would become a Jaguar hallmark.

Finished in Sherwood Green with matching Suede Green interior, chassis number '612175' was completed on 9th December 1947 and dispatched on 10th February 1948. Registered 'GVC 677', the Mark IV featured in The Autocar's 19th March edition having undergone a week's testing by the respected British motoring magazine. Their reviewer wrote: "one does not have to make any special effort or use of very high speeds to find that distances are being covered in unusually short times. This is because on a normal main road the car will hold, almost irrespective of bend or gradient, a steady rate of between 50 and 60mph without seeming to be exerting itself." The article quoted a top speed of 91mph and a fuel consumption on 'pool' petrol of 16-18mpg. 'GVC 677' would be sold to Parkes Ltd and then to their customer Arthur Albert Hook of Grunnislake, Cornwall.

Exported to the USA in 1979, the Jaguar underwent extensive restoration during the 1980s and '90s, to the very highest standards, which was followed by many successful concours appearances including at the JCNA and Antique Automobile Club of America National Championships, where the restoration's quality was highly praised.

The Jaguar later returned to the UK and was offered from a private collection by Fiskens, from whom it was purchased by our vendor. Maintained in outstanding condition and refreshed where necessary, this historically significant 3½-litre Mark IV must be one of the finest currently available.