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1948 Jaguar Mark IV
#880used

1948 Jaguar Mark IV

£54,950

Make
Jaguar
Model
Mark IV
Year
1948
Mileage
95 mi
Engine
4/5

Overview

A superb 1948 Jaguar Mark IV 3½ litre, meticulously restored between 2002–2005 and impeccably maintained ever since. This straight-six engine develops 125 bhp and runs beautifully following a comprehensive rebuild and recent cylinder head work. The silver-grey bodywork is outstanding, complemented by good chrome and wire wheels. The interior has been fully re-trimmed to excellent standards, with fine wooden fittings throughout. Electric power steering fitted in 2013 enhances usability. A reliable, documented classic equally suited to local driving or continental touring. Jersey registered.

From the Dealer

  • Comprehensive bodywork restoration (2002–2005) in excellent condition with additional bonnet work
  • Engine rebuilt early 2000s; subsequently maintained with cylinder head work and fuel tank restoration
  • Electric power steering fitted 2013 for enhanced usability
  • Full interior re-trim and wooden fittings in very good condition
  • Fully documented history; certified build date 24 August 1948

About the Jaguar Mark IV

The Jaguar Mark IV was a post-war saloon that represented Jaguar's bid for the executive market during the late 1940s and early 1950s. Built on a traditional chassis with a 3.5-litre inline-six engine, it offered graceful styling and solid engineering typical of British luxury cars of the era. The Mark IV appealed to affluent buyers seeking understated elegance and reliable performance, though it faced competition from Bentley and Rolls-Royce in its segment. It was eventually superseded by the Mark V and later the XJ series, marking an evolution in Jaguar's saloon lineage.

Pros

  • +Elegant, understated styling characteristic of post-war British design
  • +Robust inline-six engine with adequate power for its class
  • +Spacious, comfortable interior with quality materials
  • +Solid construction and engineering suitable for long-distance touring

Watch out for

  • Heavy steering and mechanical brakes require physical effort
  • Limited performance by modern standards, modest acceleration
  • Parts availability and servicing challenging for modern technicians
  • Electrical systems prone to age-related deterioration

Common issues

  • !Corrosion and rust in body panels and structural areas
  • !Carburetor tuning difficulties and fuel system complications
  • !Worn suspension components affecting ride quality
See full dealer details

Overview **Overall Comments** This is a particularly fine example of a 3½ litre Mark IV Jaguar, which, since its arrival in Jersey, has had on-going work to ensure it is a reliable and usable driver. It needs for nothing and is equally ready to use for gentle local driving or tours in the UK or mainland Europe. The 4-digit Jersey registration number may be acquired, subject to separate negotiation. We can assist / advise with shipping and importing processes if required, but any import duties and transport costs would be additional to the price listed. **Body** The comprehensive (and documented) bodywork restoration of 2002-2005 remains in splendid condition having been well looked after, with some additional work on the cars bonnet. It has good chrome and wire wheels. The silver-grey paintwork is particularly fine and suits the car’s flowing lines very well. **Mechanical** Jaguar rated their 3.5 litre, straight six engine as developing 125 bhp, with a top speed of at least 95 miles per hour. Following the rebuild which took place in the early 2000’s, this engine has subsequently required no further major attention and has simply been properly and regularly maintained, which has included further cylinder head work and fuel tank restoration. The car runs and drives very well, benefitting from the fitment of electric power steering in 2013. **Interior** The interior (upholstery, carpets and headlining) was fully re-trimmed as part of the earlier major restoration work and remains in excellent condition. Similarly, the car’s wooden fittings – dash, door cappings etc. – are in very good condition. Asking Price £ 54,950 History The Jaguar Mark IV series was built by Jaguar Cars from 1945 to 1948. The range (1½, 2½ and 3½ litre models) was a return to production of the pre-War SS Jaguar – but in March 1945 the company name changed from SS Cars Ltd to Jaguar Cars Ltd. The ‘Mark IV’ nomenclature was retrospectively applied after the launch of the Mark V Jaguar at the Earls Court Motor Show in 1948. This fine 3½ litre model has a certified build date of 24 August 1948 and was shipped to Australian Jaguar distributor, Brylaw Motors Pty Ltd, in Melbourne in September of that year. It was in Australia until 1993, when the vehicle was re-registered in New Zealand. Here it remained until around October 2000 (a NZ vehicle inspection report shows a recorded mileage of 79,518 miles at this point). A comprehensive, specialist restoration - body & engine rebuild - took place between 2002 and 2005 in the Netherlands, and the car was then imported and re-registered in the UK in 2008. Its most recent travels saw it with a new owner in Jersey in May 2010. ‍

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