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Jaguar Mk. V
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1948 - 1951 |
Country: |
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Engine: |
6 cyl. OHV |
Capacity: |
2664 cc |
Power: |
n/a |
Transmission: |
4 spd. man |
Top Speed: |
87 mph |
Number Built: |
1,675 |
Collectability: |
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At the 1948 Motor Show, Jaguar was to unveil both
the Mk. V and XK 120 – the first new design post
war Jaguars.
The Mk. V was available with either a 2.5
liter or 3.5 liter engine, the smaller capacity 2.5
being the "entry" model for the Mk V range.
Although pre-war “SS” cars were renamed
Jaguar, the entry level 1.5 liter model was hideously
underpowered, particularly in light of the fact that
Jaguar quality inevitably resulted in sizeable weight!
Jaguar engineers knew the 1.5 would not be able to haul
the new Mk. V, and so thankfully decided on using the
Standard Motors 2664cc engine instead.
It is reported that the Jaguar engineers wanted to
use the same engine as was being fitted to the XK 120,
however the production line for the engine was still
being geared up and could barely cope with the output
required to fit to the XK.
As could be expected, the
added power offered by the 3.5 liter made the Mk. V
a much better drive. The 3485cc power plant was also
derived from Standard Motors, and had already proved
itself in earlier "SS" models.
Despite now
being quite long in the tooth, the engine offered the
3.5 liter versions of the Mk. V good, though not breathtaking
performance.
The 3.5 was also available in either a choice of four
door saloon or elegant drop head coupe coachwork - and
amazingly the drop head being priced identically to
the four door.
The styling was an intriguing blend of
old and modern, its lines being traditional and yet
incorporating modern features such as faired-in headlamps
and mudguards (wings/fenders). It is interesting to note that the Mk. V and XK were
the first cars to be designed and manufactured solely
under the “Jaguar” brand.
Prior to the war,
SS cars had developed a solid reputation for building
high quality and desirable motor cars – however
in post war Europe the company was obviously aware that
trading under the name “SS Cars” was no
longer possible.
The well built, traditionally styled Mk V sold well
until being replaced by the more modern Mk VII in 1951.
Today it is considered one of the most sought after
Wedding cars. |