Beschreibung:

3,485cc OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine Dual SU Side-Draft Carburetors 125bhp at 4,250rpm 4-Speed Manual Gearbox Leaf Spring Suspension 4-Wheel Girling Mechanical Drum Brakes *One of only 12 3½-Liter models supplied in rolling chassis form *Delivered new to Switzerland *Fully restored by Emil Frey Classics *Registered in Switzerland THE JAGUAR MK IV When peace came in 1945, the newly renamed Jaguar Cars, like the majority of Britain's motor manufacturers, recommenced civilian production with a range of pre-war designs, albeit with some minor improvements. Essentially stopgap models pending the arrival of an entirely new generation of Jaguars, these comprised the compact 1½-Liter and the larger 2½/3½-Liter model, retrospectively known after 1948 as the 'Mark IV', which still enjoyed an enviable reputation for strong performance, good road manners, and well-appointed interiors. Built on a generous 120" (3,048mm) wheelbase, the Mark IV retained a separate chassis featuring beam front axle and live rear axle suspension on semi-elliptic springs, with lever-arm dampers, Burman worm-and-nut steering, and Girling mechanical brakes. The stylish all-steel factory coachwork was available in saloon or drophead coupe forms and featured the kind of luxurious and well-appointed interior that would become a Jaguar hallmark. Used by SS Cars since 1934, the engine was Standard's rugged seven-bearing six, which in Jaguar specification was fitted with a Weslake overhead-valve cylinder head and coupled to a four-speed manual gearbox - in 3½-liter form capable of propelling the sturdy Mark IV to over 95mph (153km/h). While the vast majority of customers were more than satisfied with the factory's elegant bodies, those requiring bespoke coachwork could still order their Jaguar in rolling chassis form for bodying by an independent coachbuilder, as was the case with this example. In total, Jaguar supplied only 12 3½-Liter Mark IVs in rolling chassis form: ten to Switzerland and two to Belgium. THE MOTORCAR OFFERED The car we offer, chassis number '611056', was transported by train from Jaguar Cars' factory to Emil Frey in Zurich on 2nd May 1947 for onward transit to Carrosserie Langenthal. Founded as a carriage maker in 1888, Carrosserie Langenthal had become renowned for its convertible bodies during the 1930s, having taken out a licence on Alexis Kellner's drophead coupe design. After WW2 the Swiss firm continued to provide bespoke coachwork for quality chassis such as Alvis, Daimler, Delage, Delahaye, Rolls-Royce and, of course, Jaguar. On 12th March 1948 the completed Jaguar was approved by the Road Traffic Office. Its proud owner, Mrs Maria Wacker from Zurich, drove the car until December 1955, as documented by the Swiss Car Registry; there are no records thereafter. Many years later, in September 2015, Mrs Wacker's Jaguar found its way to the workshops of Emil Frey Classics in Safenwil, Switzerland. The car was in a derelict condition, but the new owner wanted this classic Jaguar to be restored to its original condition. This painstaking complete restoration was carried out with the aim of preserving original components and returning the car as close as possible to its original condition. Only parts that could no longer be restored and for which replacements were unobtainable were remanufactured. Many man-hours were taken up with overhauling the engine, transmission, chassis and electrics, the engine being completely disassembled and rebuilt, while the all-mechanical braking system was similarly fully overhauled. The body was completely stripped of paint and then re-sprayed in its original black livery. The headlamps were re-chromed and the reflectors re-silvered. Still intact, the metal hood frame was re-covered with new material. Regarding the interior, the focus likewise was on preservation rather than renewal. However, the seats' red leather was so dry and perished that it had to be replaced, the color chosen being the original beige, while the