'JGR1' and trio of 1950s XKs lead entry for Barons' Jaguar Heritage Sale

Jaguar fans have a real treat in store at Barons Jaguar Heritage Auction at Sandown Park on Sunday, April 14th, with a highly appropriate registration number and a terrific variety of models already consigned.What could be a more suitable registration number for a Jaguar than JGR 1? This distinctive registration could grace any Jaguar of any age (estimate 25,000-35,000). And if they happen to also own a Rolls-Royce Ghost, the successful bidder might also care to consider RRG 1 (25,000-27,000).If the purchaser of JGR 1 is looking for the perfect Jaguar to sport their new registration plate, they have plenty to choose from, including three splendid 1950s XKs.The 1954 XK120 Drophead Coup was comprehensively and sympathetically restored in 2011/12 by Old School Engineering in Wales, with the aim of restoring it to original, factory specification with no modern upgrades. The one concession to modern motoring is a period-style radio with FM and iPod connectivity. The vendor now finds that he doesnt have the time to use the car and has decided to pass it on to someone who will enjoy it. Estimate: 63,000-70,000.The stunning, concours-winning 1955 XK140 FHC on offer is a real crowd-pleaser, its red paintwork matched by the leather interior. This car competed in the 2009 Rally of the Tests, where it shared the concours prize for best-presented vehicle, and comes equipped with a Brantz rally meter and clock; all ready to take part in classic road rallies this season. Estimate: 55,000-65,000.Another bright red beauty, the LHD 1957 XK150 Drophead Coup is truly magnificent. Presented in outstanding condition, this car has been the subject of a full restoration and conversion to 3.8 S specification, and boasts performance not far removed from an E-type. Estimate: 57,000-65,000.No Jaguar Heritage sale would be complete without that most popular of Jaguars, the E-type, and Barons is offering a particularly stunning 1966 S1 roadster in the April 14th auction. The vendor bought the car in 1997, fresh from a nut-and-bolt restoration, with just 500 miles on the clock. During the restoration a brand new monocoque was installed to convert the vehicle from a FHC to a roadster, and the vendor subsequently added a period hardtop. Over the past 16 years the vendor has continually upgraded the car, including having the drivers seat back modified to allow extra space for a tall driver. Estimate: 55,000-60,000.The rare 1947 MkIV saloon has been lovingly restored, and is a real head-turner in its royal blue and white livery, with French blue leather interior. This very special motor car carries an estimate of 27,000-35,000.The earliest car in the sale, the 1939 Freestone & Webb E4 Straight 8 Daimler Limousine, is one of just five such cars ever built, and now believed to be the only one left in existence. Estimate: 33,000-38,000.The 1983 Daimler Double Six is a very fine machine that has been the subject of some 35,000 worth of expenditure. The upgrading included the fitting of the last six-litre version of the Jaguar V12 engine, built from scratch by Brian Ball of Hampshire, who spent much of his working life at Browns Lane, latterly on the V12 production line. He created the engine for this car with an unused block and all-new internals and ancillaries throughout. The interior has been completely re-trimmed in fine Autolux leather, and the suspension, transmission, steering and brakes all upgraded, including large Brembo discs all round. Estimate: 15,000-20,000.MkII Jaguars are always popular, and the April 14th sale features a 1960 3.4 litre MkII which has not been offered on the market for almost half a century, having been in the same ownership for nearly 50 years. During that time the car has benefited from two bare metal repaints and, in 2007, an engine rebuild by VSE. The car featured in Jaguar Driver magazine in the late 1990's, following a run to Cognac, when it also appeared on French TV. Finished in Jaguar Racing Green, the car sits on the correct, body-colour wire wheels and is equipped with the 3-speed Borg-Warner automatic transmission. Estimate: 14,000-17,000.One of the reasons why Jaguars appeal to such a wide range of collectors is the fact that models are available to suit every budget, and two lots in the April 14th sale prove that point well; an elegant 1998 XK8 Coup offered at just 2,500-3,500, and a handsome 1995 XJ6 with an estimate of 1,500-2,500.

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