JAGUAR MK V SALOON After the war, the SS Swallow brand became Jaguar. In order to bring in foreign currency, the company had to expand beyond its borders, particularly in the USA. To do this, it had to modernize its range, offering models of a higher class than the pre-war models. A brand-new engine, with double overhead camshafts, was launched, the famous XK. It was to power a car of more modern design and larger dimensions. Unfortunately, the new bodywork was much more complicated to develop and manufacture. It was therefore decided to keep customers waiting by modernizing the existing model. Called MK V, its plastic was rejuvenated by smaller-diameter headlamps, partially encased in the front fenders, and the addition of "spats" on the rear wheels. The 2.5 l and 3.5 l 6-cylinder engines are retained unchanged. A major innovation, however, is the use of independent suspension on the front axle. Presented at the London Motor Show in October 1948, around 9,500 units, including convertibles, were produced until mid-1951. As a result, it served perfectly as a transitional model until its descendant, the MK VII (VI being Bentley's prerogative). The model presented here is a rare 2.5-litre version. Both bodywork and interior are virtually flawless. It has 17,500 km on the clock. It drives very well and perfectly represents the idea of luxury à l'anglaise.