1951 Jaguar MK5

Jaguar MK5 3,5 ltr DHC LHD

Sometimes you see a car that makes you stop in your tracks and gaze at it in admiration, wondering how a 1951 car could pass you by in such condition. The answer isn’t simple; it involves a great deal of work and requires the dedication and perseverance of an enthusiastic owner.

The story of the Jaguar MK5 that we are pleased to offer you begins in May 1951, when the car was manufactured at the Jaguar factory in England before being shipped to the American importer Hoffman in New York. It was intended for Mr. Robert O. Kwek of Cleveland, Ohio, who had ordered it in Battleship Gray with a red interior—now that’s a color name with real punch!

Nothing else is known about its early history, but in December 1974, the Jaguar was purchased by Mr. W.K. Chandler of Burlington, North Carolina. This owner kept the car for no less than 31 years before it was finally sold in July 2006 to classic car dealer and enthusiast Joop Stolze in the Netherlands. He sold it to a Dutch owner, who immediately began a complete restoration. In 2009/2010, when the restoration was not yet halfway complete, the project was halted, and in June 2014, this classic car eventually came into the hands of the then-president of the Dutch Jaguar Club, who decided to start over and restore the car to concours condition.

After taking inventory of all present and missing parts, the work was outsourced exclusively to Dutch specialists. The restoration was carried out by Avelingen Restauraties, with the engine overhauled by van Giersbergen, the paintwork done by Vinko, the upholstery and soft top handled by Cools, and the transmission and rear axle worked on by Ben Kolvenbach. A beautiful photo album was created documenting this work, and everything is supported by a comprehensive file containing invoices and other documentation. The result is impressive; the quality of this car is stunning, and although the restoration was completed back in 2017, it remains in absolutely top condition. We sold it ourselves to the current owner in 2020 and have been servicing it ever since.

The MK5 is on display in our showroom for viewings and inspections. This Jaguar deserves an enthusiastic owner who will drive and maintain it with the same dedication as the previous owner and the person who restored it. We’d be happy to tell you more about it and take you on a scenic drive around our island. We also have the complete documentation on file.