1954 Jaguar Mk VII

The Mark VII chassis came from the Jaguar Mk V, the new model's body looked more streamlined, with integrated headlights, a two-piece windscreen, and longer rear overhang. As on the Mk V, the rear wheels were partially covered by removable spats.

Whereas the Mark V had a prewar engine originally developed by the Standard Motor Company, the newly developed XK engine powered the Mk VII. First seen in production form in the 1948 XK120, the 3442 cc straight six provided 160bhp, the same as in the XK120, and the saloon's claimed top speed was over 100 mph.

Early in 1956 a Mark VII M won the Monte Carlo rally paving the way for these big Jaguar sedans to play a leading part in British saloon car racing for the next few years.

Offered as part of a barn find collection this MkVII was last MoTed and road legal in 2007. This desirable manual car is a fantastic basis for a restoration project, unfortunately during its long period of dry storage the leather has suffered and in particular on the front seats it has dried out causing it to heavily crack, split and peal away. The wood trim has also suffered a similar fate in some areas whilst externally the body appears to be mostly solid with just expected signs of rust in the foot wells and some exterior bubbling.

Jaguar Mk VII's has languished for many years in the market and are just starting to gain the regonision they deserve. Incorporating the technology from the Jaguar sports cars when compared to the Bentleys and Rolls Royce's of the era they make for extremely good value and sporting Saloons indeed.