Bridging the gap stylistically between the post-war Jaguars and pre-war SS cars, the Mark V was introduced to the public at the 1948 London Motor Show. Boasting a brand-new 120-inch wheelbase chassis, the Mark V benefitted from four fully hydraulic Girling drum brakes, a torsion-bar suspension, and Burman recirculating-ball steering. Needless to say, this gave the Mark V wonderful handling characteristics, and when combined with the existing 2½-liter and 3½-liter engines carried over from the 1946 Jaguars, the Mark V was set to be an excellent car in all regards.

Jaguar offered customers the choice between two different body styles: a stately four-door saloon and an elegant two-door drophead coupe. Both featured the elegance and refinement that Jaguar’s clients had come to expect in their cars and surely did not disappoint the most particular of customers. Today, as when new, the drophead coupe remains the most desirable iteration of the Mark V, especially when equipped with the more potent 3½-liter engine. Over the course of three years of production, 977 such examples were produced.

This particular 1951 3½-Litre Drophead Coupe was reportedly found stored in a barn by a previous owner, who then commissioned a full restoration with the marque specialists at Classic Showcase in Oceanside, California. Refinished at that time in its present dark red with a beige interior and matching beige convertible top, the car looks truly stunning in all regards. The wood trim on the dashboard is highly polished, and this Mark V truly oozes sporting elegance both inside and out.

With wonderful performance and room for four, the Mark V offers an incredible driving experience that only a Jaguar can provide. It can be argued that the Mark V Drophead Coupe was the XK120 for the enthusiast with a family, and this example will surely not disappoint in any regard.