The Jaguar Mark V debuted in 1948 at the London Motor Show, and it retained a stylistic link to the beloved pre-war SS cars with its classic William Lyons curves, but it was otherwise nearly all new. Underneath was a new 120-inch wheelbase chassis, which Jaguar claimed was the most rigid of any passenger car, and it, along with fully hydraulic four-wheel Girling brakes, excellent torsion-bar suspension, and Burman recirculating-ball steering, gave the Mark V outstanding handling characteristics. The only carryover was the famed 2½-liter and 3½-liter engines, which were inherited from the 1946 Jaguars.

The Mark V would be in production for three years, offered as both a four-door saloon and two-door drophead coupe. The drophead coupe was already considerably scarcer in numbers, and it was clearly a car for the performance enthusiast, as almost all, 977 of 1,005, were built with the larger, more powerful 3½-liter engine. One could say that the drophead coupe was the XK120 for the sportsman who had a family.

Harold Allsop, of Willowdale, Ontario, was just that sort of man, which explains the presence of this 3½-Litre Drophead Coupe in his stable for many years. He purchased the car in 1959, as a companion to his two-passenger Cord. He began to restore the Jaguar, but it took time away from the Cord, so he put it away. When he retired at the age of 70, he retrieved it and continued the restoration.

The meticulous body-off restoration included a complete renewal of the frame, all mechanical components, the body, and electrical components. Allsop fabricated all-new, correct ash wood frames for the doors himself and ordered a proper canvas top material and leather upholstery from England. He put all of the skills, tools, resources, and friends from decades of working on “hobby cars” into this restoration. He was literally within days of completing the work when he fell ill in 2011 and was unable to continue; after which, his son, Peter, finished the project to its present condition.

The car, beautifully finished in Black over a red leather interior with a tan top, has been restored to original specifications, with the exception of a non-original electric fuel pump. The original three-inch-body fuel pump is included with the car, along with a rebuild kit for it, as well as the original owner’s and shop manuals, color dealer brochures, a vintage leaping Jaguar hood ornament, and an originally installed radio, which has not been restored or installed. The tool kit inside the boot lid is complete, save for two wrenches. Black wheel covers and blackwall tires provide a wonderful, sinister air, setting this car apart from other dainty Jaguars of the era.

This is a wonderful example of the most desirable Mark V Jaguar, which has been restored for the personal enjoyment of the enthusiast and family that loved it for 54 years.