1954 Jaguar MKVII

We are pleased to be offering for sale a splendid example of a Jaguar Mk VII. Manufactured in March 1954, it was dispatched as so many were to New York. Unusually the car was a right-hand drive model.

We know little about the car’s life on the other side of the Atlantic. We do know the car was repatriated in 2016 and was acquired by our seller and his brother in 2018. As we will go on to describe, the car’s magnificent condition indicates that an extensive restoration has clearly been carried out, most likely in fairly recent times.

A testament to the car’s condition came in July 2021 when it was entered into a Concours d’Elegance at Shelsley Walsh. It was awarded third in class in the 1940s and 1950s car section. The judge was esteemed journalist and editor-at-large of Classic and Sports Car Magazine, Simon Taylor. Praise indeed!

The car has been used for special occasions over the last few years, weddings, family outings etc, but as it forms part of an extensive classic car collection, it spends most of its time safely locked away in a cosy garage. The decision has therefore been made to let someone else enjoy this rare and desirable car.

The Mk VII is a large and imposing car and one which attracts attention and admiring glances wherever it goes. Resplendent in ‘Birch Grey’, we commend whoever was responsible for the wonderful paint finish. There’s a deep gloss to the coachwork which surely confirms that the car has been well cared for and pampered. It certainly has been in our seller’s capable hands.

Wire wheels are fitted which gives the Jaguar a racy look and our seller made the sensible decision to ditch the crossply tyres that adorned them on purchase. In their place, a set of premium Continentals provide the grip, and all have plenty of tread.

There’s plenty of shiny chrome to admire, most of it likely to be original and there are some signs of ageing in places if you look carefully. We would leave well alone, but the fastidious might wish to carry out some rechroming work.

We also cannot help but admire the spats that are fitted, very much a Jaguar period fitment. They are a talking point if nothing else.

Jaguar has always made lovely interiors and the one fitted to this Mk VII is no exception. Swathes of leather cover almost every surface. The seats are soft and comfortable and apart from a little gentle creasing to the driver’s perch, the condition is excellent.

In keeping with the gentleman’s club atmosphere, fine wood veneers cover the door cappings and dashboard and no doubt these have been refurbished at some point.

An assortment of lovely Smiths gauges takes pole position on the dash, with plenty of useful information therefore available to the driver. We gather the clock and petrol gauge are inoperative.

A large steering wheel dominates, with the rest of the controls somewhat delicate by comparison, especially the stubby little gear lever perched atop the transmission tunnel. There’s overdrive fitted too for relaxed cruising, which is operated by a separate switch.

Carpets and mats look to be in decent order, and they tone in nicely with the leather upholstery. It all feels very premium.

On a warm summer’s day, the sliding steel sunroof opens wide for that wind-in-the-hair feeling, which we rather like.

A generously proportioned boot makes this Jaguar an excellent car for weekends away or even perhaps a continental touring holiday. There’s a matching spare wheel contained within and the period tool kit is present and correct.

We do note a little surface rust on the kick plates (see pictures 113 and 125), easy enough to rectify.

We always include some pictures of a car’s underside and that is certainly the case here. There are some areas of surface corrosion visible, so we would be inclined to get these attended to and then coat with a liberal dose of underseal.

We are told the car starts readily and is an absolute delight to drive, the functioning overdrive on the gearbox making for relaxed long distance cruising.

Documentation prior to our seller’s ownership is mostly conspicuous by its absence. However, it is readily apparent that this car has undergone an extensive restoration at some point in its life and it all appears to have been done extremely well.

Our seller, a conscientious chap, has maintained the Jaguar well and there are plenty of invoices for work carried out. Classic car specialists RetroMarques in Strensham, Worcestershire were the chosen garage.

Detailed servicing was carried out in both 2019 and 2020. The car has covered just a few hundred miles since, hence the decision to let her go.

An MoT test was carried out in December 2020, at mileage 50,235, with a few advisory items noted, as illustrated in the documentation in the gallery below.

This magnificent and rare Jaguar saloon is sure to delight its next owner. We can see it being used as a wedding car, a role to which it is eminently suited.

However, the pleasure to be had behind the wheel means that family outings are also its forte.

All this loveliness can be yours for a price of somewhere between £21,000 and £25,000. Get bidding right away.

Viewing is always encouraged. The car is located in Pershore, Worcestershire. To arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’