Registration – KYU 126

Chassis No. – 622246

M.O.T. – Exempt

Odometer – 94,682

‘KYU126’ is a two-tone example of the post-war MKV Jaguar in optimal 3.5-litre saloon and from the penultimate year of production. ‘KYU126’ is remarkable for being in the hands of just its third owner despite its 75-year age. The current owner acquired ‘KYU126’ at auction in 2021 with the Jaguar having covered less than 10 miles since then. The available MOT history also confirms that only around 800 miles have been covered since 2006. This MKV is a home market specified and supplied right hand drive model hailing from 1950. Just under 6,000 in this specification were originally made with the Jaguar Drivers’ Club knowing of just 81 remaining as far back as 1988. That number will have likely significantly decreased by now. ‘KYU126’ is thought to have been restored in the mid 1990’s to include paintwork and interior. With an MOT exemption and zero rating for road tax based on its age, ‘KYU126’ is offered with some insightful supporting paperwork and photographs from various periods of its long history. Comes to us from the large collection of an individual enthusiast.

The MKV was a technical tour-de-force, and became the first Jaguar with independent front suspension, hydraulic brakes and designed to be produced in both left and right hand drive. It was also the first to wear the distinctive rear spats. ‘KYU126’ is finished in distinctive, two tone Seafrost and Black with impressive “double-decker” chromed bumpers. The saloon style body provides room for five adults and is trimmed in a tan leather with accents of chrome and varnished, wooden veneers which were refurbished during the restoration, too. It is further reported that a full, original toolkit is present in the boot.

‘‘KYU126’s’ 3.5-litre pushrod engine is based on a Standard design but built by Jaguar and rendered it as the top of the MKV range, producing around a quoted 120bhp. This was found to be good for in excess of 90mph back in its day. A four speed manual gearbox also features. So good was ‘KYU126’s’ restoration, that it appeared in a Classic Cars magazine feature in December 2003. A laminated copy of this article is reported to be present in the paperwork archive.

In summary:

• A very rare, striking two-tone example of the MKV Jaguar
• Just three owners to date and the subject of a diligent restoration in the mid 1990’s
• Complete with an instructive paperwork archive

Ask a Question