1948 Jaguar Mark IV DHC

• Chassis No. 637008
• Engine No. SL2321
• Only 376 LHD Dropheads produced 
• Matching Numbers Example

The Jaguar name was first used in 1936 on a handsome sports saloon built by SS Cars, Ltd., in Coventry, England. This car had a 2,663-cc overhead valve version of a Standard Motor Company engine, somewhat redesigned by Harry Weslake and William Heynes. Good for 90 mph, it was a relative bargain at £385 (then about $1,900). Greater fame, however, accrued to the short-chassis SS 100 Jaguar two-seater.

After World War II, the company eschewed the SS connotation and was renamed Jaguar Cars, Ltd. The classically styled saloons and dropheads continued in production, with 1.5-, 2.5-, and 3.5-liter engines. The 1.5-liter was an overhead valve four, the others sixes. They were sold as Jaguar 1½-Litre, 2½-Litre, and 3½-Litre models, respectively. After the introduction of the updated and mildly reengineered Mark V at the 1948 London Motor Show, the earlier cars retroactively became commonly known as “Mark IV” models.

According to its Jaguar Heritage Trust production record certificate, this left-hand-drive 3½-Litre Drophead Coupe was completed on 16 December 1947, and shipped on 1 March 1948, to International Motors., the distributor in Los Angeles, CA. This Jaguar has been in the same family since 1968, having spent time in both Arizona and California and now wears an older restoration that was finished in its original exterior color of (Birch Grey) with interior having been finished in Red. This Jaguar is a high-level driver example that is ready to be enjoyed by a new owner during weekend outings or events as the current owner spent over $5,000 on recent service that included a new radiator and Gas Tank.