• Delivered new in the UK
• Supplied through Henlys Ltd and Russell's Garage
• Later exported to Germany
• Long-term enthusiast ownership
• Extensively restored between 2008 and 2015

Introduced in 1956, the Mark VIII was the penultimate version of Jaguar's flagship luxury saloon that had debuted as the Mark VII back in 1950. When production concluded in 1958, just over 6,000 examples had been built. Only 158 survivors are known to the International Mark VIII Register.

Manufactured on 7th November 1957, chassis number '762369 BW' left the Coventry factory finished in its highly attractive colour combination of Indigo Blue over Cotswold Blue with a Grey leather interior, exactly as recorded on its accompanying JDHT Certificate. The car was dispatched on 30th December 1957 through Henlys Ltd, London and supplied by Russell's Garage of Chatham, Kent to first owner Lt Col Adrian Cryar of Grayshott, Hindhead.

This example comes with an exceptionally well-documented history. It was acquired by its long-term custodian in January 2002 and has remained in careful enthusiast ownership ever since. Between 2008 and 2015, the Jaguar underwent an extensive restoration, previously documented when offered by Bonhams at The December Sale of 2015, where it sold for £27,600 including buyer's premium. The aforementioned restoration was comprehensive in scope and included:

• Complete body-off restoration
• Chassis stripped and refinished
• Suspension fully overhauled with new bushes
• Extensive replacement of body panels where required
• Both fuel tanks refurbished
• Wheels bead-blasted and powder-coated
• New brakes and tyres
• Completely handcrafted new leather interior
• New carpets and headlining
• New wiring harness
• Electrical system converted to negative earth
• Fitted with power steering
• Electric choke installation
• Engine replaced with a more powerful correct-type Jaguar XK unit during restoration

Reportedly, more than £15,000 was spent on this restoration alone. The accompanying history file is particularly impressive and contains the following:

• Jaguar Heritage Trust Production Record Trace Certificate
• Original UK V5 registration documents
• German registration papers
• Registration history
• 'Big Saloons on Tour' Certificate (2016)
• Bonhams auction catalogue and previous sale documentation
• Extensive invoices from Jaguar specialists including Worcester Classic Spares
• Restoration invoices and parts receipts
• Restoration photographs documenting the work undertaken

The supplied JDHT Certificate confirms the car retains its original chassis and factory colour combination, making it a highly attractive and well-documented example of Jaguar's flagship saloon. Offered with extensive provenance, restoration details and a substantial history file, it represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire one of the marque's most elegant post-war luxury saloons.

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Car Department.