2025-12-04 20:09:06 | pauls writes:

Car at auction 12/25

online.doningtonauctions.com.au/m/lot-details/index/catalog/262/lot/66965/1948-J ...

Auction description:

1948 Jaguar Mark IV 2 1/2-litre Saloon

Single ownership for almost 60 years

Substantially original example of Jaguar’s classic Sports Saloon

Offered with No Reserve

Chassis no. 510848

Engine no. P857

Body no. B7304

Although the early history of this charming Jaguar Mark IV saloon has not been documented, the car was purchased by its late owner back in 1968, when it was just over twenty years old and remained in his care for the better part of six decades. A very detailed handwritten logbook recounts every detail of the owner’s use and maintenance until the final handwritten entry in late 2022 when ill health meant the owner, who lived in the inner Sydney suburb of Birchgrove, was no longer able to drive his beloved Jaguar.

Showing 54,528 miles (just under 100,000 km) on the odometer at the time of purchase and registered as ‘KU-743’ on NSW plates, the engine was reconditioned at 63,600 miles in January 1974 and the car enjoyed limited use over the next fifteen years. According to the logbook the Jaguar was treated to more substantial mechanical and cosmetic refurbishment in the late 1980s and early 1990s, including a repaint in the present black duco, the sunroof re-lined and some chrome work renewed in 1992. The owner elected to add indicators front and rear for safer operation, along with retractable front seat belts.

Repeated failings of the gudgeon pin bearings resulted in the engine requiring further rebuilds in 1990, 1995 and finally in 2008 at 94,213 miles but the car has always retained the original matching numbers engine block. Electric fuel pumps were substituted in mid-2002 for ease of use and the Jaguar made a successful return to the road with a trip to the NSW Central Coast in November 2010. More recent work saw the petrol tank drained and re-lined in 2011, the wire wheels and brake plates painted and the distributor overhauled in 2016, the ignition system overhauled in 2019, the front brakes re-lined and new king pins fitted in 2021 and new clutch plates in 2022.

Now showing just under 100,000 miles on the clock (a figure we believe reflects the genuine mileage), the Jaguar has developed a lovely patina over the years; there are plenty of stone chips and blemishes evident on the black duco, the chrome has lightly tarnished due to exposure to the elements and the leather upholstery and timberwork have some wear in keeping with age. Inside the wonderfully inviting cabin that exudes class and has that lovely smell of old leather, both front seats are noticeably worn, as is the carpet in the front passenger’s footwell. The tool tray in the boot compartment, always a feature on these cars, appears to be complete.

Continuously maintained in operational condition and regularly used for longer holidays and trips around NSW, the Mark IV hasn’t been driven for the past couple of years but the engine turns freely, the electrics work and the brakes aren’t locked on but are a bit grabby. Supplied with a history file, two keys and miscellaneous spares (including the town radiator cap), the car remained on NSW club plates until 2024 and will now be sold unregistered and with No Reserve.

Please note: The electronic fuel pump failed to due stale fuel and has now been replaced with a new electric SU pump. With a tank of fresh fuel, the car started and ran well, with a short test drive revealing no major issues. However the car has been sitting for a couple of years and will likely require some minor mechanical recommissioning. There was also some minor damage to the bonnet caused by the battery isolator shorting out, as shown in the photos added.