2010-03-12 10:25:02 | pauls writes:

Ebay item 3/12/10
cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Other-Makes-Dunsmore-Jaguar-CALIFORNIACLASSIX-1947-Dunsm ...
Current bid $11,900 reserve not met, 7 bids 6 days left in auction.

Sellers description:
1947 Dunsmore Jaguar Special

The bespoke-built, thus relatively unknown Dunsmores provide another rare alternative to a mighty Bentley. Jaguar-based Dunsmore Motor Traction Specials were being turned out at the rate of approximately 2 per year from a small blacksmith cottage situated in Stretton-on-Dunsmore, in the English Midlands. Manufactured by Old World craftsman Bill Hines with an unmatched dedication to quality and detail, each was fitted to the owner's preference while strictly adhering to pre-war appearance and chassis specification.

Only a few Dunsmores have ever changed hands; the gorgeous example featured here, VIN *611212* is believed to be the only one residing in the U.S., titled as a 1947 Jaguar, determined by the 1947 Jaguar MkV which served as its base. After being imported to the States a few years ago, the car was a cherished centerpiece of a prominent collection of Specials until we were fortunate enough to acquire it recently.

Sporting resplendent British Racing Green livery, the boat-tailed Dunsmore shows off its breathtaking, timelessly sculptured coachwork, which is as captivating as a pre-Raphaelite painting.

Typical for classic British roadsters, the weather equipment consists of a three-piece, snap-fitted, white tonneau cover. Those Brits are a hardy bunch, and Bill Hines once joked that he could have a good side business selling old, quality-made Royal Navy duffle coats.
Note ultra-traditional location of hand brake lever!

Enormous 72-spoke wheels with center knock-offs are painted to match the body, have been fitted with a set of brand new, expensive BEDFORD FAMOUS COACH tyres of the size 700-17.

The bonnet is held on by working leather straps. Hood side panels are fully removable. Engine compartment looks spotlessly clean; every component is easily accessible for routine servicing.
Jaguar's Walter Hassan-designed 3.8-litre DOHC engine is an engineering marvel as well as a visual delight!

This particular power plant hails from a Jaguar MKII and was painstakingly reconditioned by Her Majesty's most reputable engine builder, VSE, just before the car left the Old Country. It has covered less than 2,000 miles since. Twin Skinner's Union carburettors provide the mixture, the 4.2 "Gold Head" is equipped for unleaded fuel, cast manifolds keep the noise level down; there are no annoying oil leaks. Power? North of 200 bhp, certainly adequate, to say the least!

Galvanized sheet steel and alloy form most of the body, which features a very glossy BRG finish; the rearmost part is 8mm plywood, sealed and painted before a layer of classic EVERFLEX vinyl fabric was added.

Alloy dash sports a perfect array of old SMITHS gauges, switches, and levers. Interestingly, the complete dash assembly is easily removeable to provide access to wiring harness, if needed.

Extra large, four-spoke steering wheel, electric overdrive with switch on steering column, external handbrake lever--everything is very easy to operate. Shift lever for the 4-speed-plus-Overdrive Jaguar transmission is close to wheel.
All lights, instruments, and switches work flawlessly!

Vintage buckets seats are comfortable even for big and tall pilots, were fitted with DUNLOPILLO foam for comfort and upholstered with the finest, dark green CONNOLLY leather, piped in red. Footwells feature green salt-and-pepper-style felt carpeting, piped in red as well, and heavy duty rubber matting.

Dunsmore's sturdy chassis consists of a ladder frame with scuttle hoops and triangular reinforcement, where required. Drilled beam front axle features longitudinal leaf springs, rear has leaf springs as well, with inflatable shocks to adjust the ride height. A neat detail is the tow hitch. Imagine towing a teardrop trailer or vintage Norton or Triumph motorcycle behind the Dunsmore to the next show!