125 bhp, 3,485 cc OHV inline six-cylinder engine, five-speed manual transmission (original four-speed transmission included), solid front axle and live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs front and rear, and Girling four-wheel mechanical drum brakes. Wheelbase: 120"

- One of only 376 3.5-liter Mark IVs built for the export market (LHD)

- Fully documented two-year UK restoration finished in 2009

- 99+ point car at JCNA Concours

Sensing that war was imminent, William Lyons phased out the production of the car line and focused on helping out the war effort. He continued to produce sidecars and trailers for the British armed forces and carried out repair work on RAF bombers. These military contracts helped keep the company, S.S. Cars Ltd., afloat during the war, and once the hostilities ended, they were ready to get back to producing automobiles, and with a name change, Jaguar Cars Ltd. was created.

Prewar sales for the S.S. products had been low in the United States. However, with a nation ravaged by war, Lyons had to press for foreign exports. Taking advantage of the strong U.S. economy and a new interest in elegant, well-made British automobiles (especially from returning GIs), Jaguar set up a budding dealer network across the Atlantic. Jaguars were so popular that one of the first 16 sold overseas went to actor Clark Gable.

Retrospectively known as the Mark IV, the Jaguar 3.5-liter Drophead Coupe was a continuation of the pre-war S.S. model with minimal differences. The S.S. logos were replaced. The radiator now simply read “Jaguar,” and a large “J” was featured in the center of the rear bumper. With a powerful 125-hp inline six-cylinder, the 3.5-liter DHC has a top speed of 91 mph. An interior awash in polished walnut and Connolly leather made the Jaguar a more attractive option for the money over anything on either side of the pond. The elegant three-position top also caught America’s fancy.

This 1948 Mark IV 3.5-liter DHC presents well in Olde English White with a red leather interior and three-position black soft top. In 2007 the Jag was sent to England for two-and-a-half years, where a renowned early Jaguar specialist completed the MK IV’s restoration. The paint and chrome are brilliant as justified by the 99+ point score earned at the JCNA New England concours event. Its owner made several trips to the UK to supervise the progress, but regrettably, he did not live to see the final product. However, his family proudly carried through with his intention to show the car stateside, but it is now time to pass it along. Featured are correct and attractive disc wheels as well as a complete tool set.

With only 376 built for export, and with a fresh, correct restoration, this left-hand drive 3.5-liter Mark IV represents a particularly rare opportunity for Jaguar enthusiasts.