NZ New, Rebuilt & Restored, One Owner since 1980

Sunday Drive is proud to present this incredible piece of automotive history. This NZ New, 1951 Jaguar Mark V Drop is an extremely rare specimen, one of only 395 made RHD from factory with the 3.5 Litre straight six, the fact that this vehicle was sold new in February 1951 by Shorters Garage in Auckland, makes it a very rare find indeed.

Originally purchased in 1980 in an unfortunate condition, it then went through a detailed and lengthy process of restoration. The chassis was stripped, sandblasted and painted with epoxy tow-pot undercoat and finished in two-pot enamel. It was then rust-proofed, every bushing, bearing and suspension joint was renewed. The steering box was rebuilt using new, old stock parts. The brakes were completely rebuilt and all hydraulic cylinders were sleeved with stainless steel. The water pump has been reconditioned using a modern impeller, seals and bearings. The carburettors have been reconditioned and fitted with new needles, jets and seals. A new wiring loom of the original pattern was obtained and fitted. The radiator has been rebuilt using a modern high flow core fitted into the original frame. A new clutch has also been recently fitted.

The engine was totally stripped, the block bored and sleeved back to standard dimensions. New pistons and rings fitted, the crankshaft was re-ground and fitted with new bearings, the whole assembly was then balanced. The cylinder head was reconditioned and fitted with new stainless steel valves. These early Jaguar engines had a reputation for oil leaks, especially around the rear main bearing, special care was taken upon re-assembly to ensure the fitment and seals were as close to perfect as possible, the rear main bearing was also modified to accept a modern full oil seal. This engine is now almost completely oil leak free, a massive achievement in and of itself.

The gearbox is the original four speed Moss box but has a Laycock overdrive fitted, the overdrive operates in top gear and allows this 72 year old vehicle to cruise at 100kmph at only 3,000 rpm, improving fuel consumption and helping to look after the long term health of the engine.

The body was totally rebuilt with much of the steel panels being remade, the paint is two-pot black enamel. The seats were recovered to the original pattern with dark blue, Connolly hide leather. The carpets are cut pile, light grey wool. The interior woodwork, originally plywood with a grained veneer was replaced using solid NZ Rawarewa and features a very handsome and distinct grain. The grey hood is lined with a woollen hood lining with the outer cover being a specially imported material. The hood is a three position unit, either fully erected or the front section can be folded back and clipped in the "coupe de-ville" position, or collapsed entirely.

Since restoration was completed in 2005 this vehicle has only travelled 30,000 miles, mostly on long Vintage Car Club runs.
Comes with the original ownership papers, the ownership papers for the 2005 registration and an original drivers handbook, albeit in poor condition, as well as an authenticity certificate from the Jaguar Daimler Heritage trust along with a copy of the original factory build sheet.
With prices of other RHD Mark V Drophead Coupe's in similar condition exceeding 60,000 pounds over in the UK market, paired with the excellent NZ history and exceptional restoration of this specific example, we don't expect it to be advertised for long, hesitation will only disappoint.

Welcome to Sunday Drive Church Street

Our Church Street Showroom is viewing and test drive by appointment so please make contact first so we can explain the process and create a great experience. You are however welcome to call in 6 days a week to view New Zealands coolest 3 level Car Showroom and of course all the cool cars, you can book appointments live by using the 'book a test drive' button.

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