1951 JAGUAR MK V CABRIOLET Lot n° 57

Chassis n° 647505 - Engine n° Z3992 of 3.5 L Body : Cabriolet n° SH 9249 Tax power : 20 hp - French registration New York, early 50's, Bette Davis is at the top of her fame and goes from studio to studio in her Jaguar Mark V convertible. This is the car we are offering for sale. Introduced at the 1948 Earl Court show alongside the revolutionary XK 120, the Mark V was the first Jaguar to be available in left-hand drive to appeal to the American public. While its elegant bodywork remained traditional, this large convertible was innovative thanks to engineer Heynes with its independent suspension, very rigid chassis and hydraulically operated brakes. Priced well below the equivalent Bentleys, the Mark V was true to Sir Lyons' philosophy that the marque's customers should get value for money. Its three-position soft top Its three-position soft top allows travel in an open, milord configuration for concours d'elegance or closed for interior driving. The Mark V carries its passengers in remarkable comfort, with high-level handling for its time and British refinement. While it does not make it a sporty Cabriolet, the proven 3.5L engine born in 1937 gives it sufficient performance to keep up with the pace of vintage rallies without worry. This Mark V Cabriolet was owned by Bette Davis, and since her crazy American tours, the car has received a lot of attention. The upholstery and bodywork have been redone in the Lecoq body shop, synonymous with excellence. The radiator and carpets are new and the mechanics, brakes and clutch have been rebuilt. The various instruments on the walnut dashboard are all fully functional. The car has retained its original tools, which is rare enough to be noticed, and a nice DESMO mascot is also supplied with the car. Also note that the original sales catalogue and a rare vintage parts binder will be supplied with the car. All you have to do is get behind the wheel and take a leap back into the America of the fifties. Only 2 owners since 1986.