2024-04-21 11:17:55 | pauls writes:

Car to be at auction 5/24

cars.bonhams.com/auction/29207/preview-lot/5828700/1951-jaguar-mk-vii-coupe-mete ...

Auction description:

1951 Jaguar MK VII Coupé 'Meteor'

The Monaco Sale 'Les Grandes Marques à Monaco' 10 May 2024

Unique example, exhibited at the 1952 Brussels Motor Show

Bodywork by Stabilimenti Farina

Chassis no. 710908

Engine No. A3757

• Formerly owned by F1 driver Lucien Bianchi

• Carefully restored in 2012

• French registration title

Madame Joska Bourgeois (1913-1994), after the Second World War, obtained the status of Jaguar importer for Belgium from William Lyons. She quickly pointed out to him that a few models were missing from the range, notably a convertible and a coupe. After negotiations, William Lyons authorized the production of 50 examples from the three prototypes imagined and named by Madame Bourgeois: Flying Jaguar, Golden Arrow and Jaguar Meteor. His relationships in the world of racing, notably with the winner of the 1951 Belgian Grand Prix, Nino Farina, allowed him to involve the latter's family firm, the Italian coachbuilder Stabilimenti Farina, in the adventure.

Three chassis were then sent by William Lyons to Italy to each receive a bodywork – which will remain unique, contrary to the initial intention – based on a design by Giovanni Michelotti under the direction of chief designer Franco Martinengo within the Stabilimenti Farina firm. .

Exhibited at the 1952 Motor Show, the Jaguar Mk VII Coupé Meteor presented for sale, was acquired by Lucien Bianchi, Formula 1 and Endurance driver, charmed by its elegant Italian appearance with the interesting performances that its 160 horsepower offered. The car, a few years later, became the property of Roland Urban, president of the Jaguar Drivers' Club de France and author of the book Les Métamorphoses du Jaguar (published in 1993), who presented it in his book for its unique bodywork. . The latter offered it during an exceptional auction in 2005, dedicated to the Jaguar firm, in which the current owner, a keen collector of original Coaches until the mid-1950s, acquired it.

In preparation for its presentation at the famous Concorso d'Eleganza de la Villa d'Este 2013, on the banks of Lake Como, in Italy, the current owner had it restored in 2012 for a sum of around €75,000 and made it fit new Borrani wheels for €10,000. The engine, bodywork and upholstery were restored, retaining as many original elements as possible, notably the dashboard and door panels. Originally delivered in right-hand drive, it was put in left-hand drive, probably by its first Belgian owner, a configuration that the current owner decided to keep.

This elegant black coupe with wine leather upholstery and attractive Borrani wheels with chrome spokes, equipped with the beautiful 3.5 liter XK six-cylinder engine, is a unique example and one of the latest creations of Stabilimenti Farina, which closed in 1953. It combines a refined Italian look, British luxury and a touch of sportiness. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a very special coupe, with a fascinating history, which has not been on the market for almost twenty years.

This car is equipped with a French registration document, a technical inspection passed for the sale and numerous photocopies of archives (restoration invoices, illustrations from the 1950s, auction catalog from 2005, FIVA identity card from 2013 , photographs of competitions and events, pages from Roland Urban's book, Les Métamorphoses du Jaguar, which mention the Meteor).