The Coventry Foundation is pleased to announce the latest donation from an avid collector. This 1950 Jaguar Mark 5 DHC – what a wonderful car that had been in his collection for many years. He always maintained the car and drove it sparingly on special occasions. This is a very generous donation, and the Foundation plans to make this one of our benchmark examples in our future Western States Museum. This Mark 5 is a left-hand drive example that comes in a unique Yellow & Black color combination and is accented with a Red interior. It came complete with a tool kit, books, and manuals, and was recently serviced.
William Lyons' SS Cars Ltd. was rebranded under the Jaguar name following World War II. Post-war production commenced in 1945 consisting (like most other manufacturers) of pre-war designs. One of the Jaguar projects was a cruciform-braced chassis with a torsion bar independent front suspension designed by the company's Chief Engineer William Heynes. There were no MK I to IV Jaguars, so the origin of the Mark V name remains somewhat mysterious, and the Mk IV title was given only to its precursor after the launch of the Mark V. Reportedly, William Lyons viewed five prototype bodies with various chassis experiments in the 1946-1948 period before he was satisfied with the result. In September of 1948, the Mark V was introduced to the press where it shared the stand with the XK120 at London Motor Show. During its first year of sales, the Mark V outsold the XK120 by around 5,000 units.
Although the Mark V retained a stylistic link to the SS cars that were built before World War II, they were also nearly all new. The only carryover was the famed 2.5- and 3.5-liter engine series inherited from the 1946 Jaguars. It had a 120-inch wheelbase chassis, fully hydraulic four-wheel Girling brakes, and newly developed 16-inch, 6.7-section Dunlop tire.
The foundation has had a wonderful year of growth, and are excited to say that there have been other great donations like this that we have received at our library in Columbia, South Carolina as well as at our museum display facility in Petersburgh, VA.
Our board of directors has also expanded this year, with Foundation advisors there to help and assist us with our future goals and objectives. Our patron membership continues to grow, and we are excited to be associating hand in hand with Jaguar Clubs of America. Check our next newsletter for updates, and visit the Foundation’s website here: conventryfoundation.org
You too can become a Patron of the Foundation today by making a donation by either check, donating a classic Jaguar vehicle, parts or Jaguar memorabilia. The Foundation has been created by passionate Jaguar people who donate their time, resources, and services with the goal of better serving the Jaguar Heritage and preserving the marque for future generations. We aim to leave a legacy for our children’s children so that they will be able to appreciate and continue with the work that we started. The foundation is anticipating opening museums, where Jaguar cars, books, memorabilia, and related material will be housed and viewed by the public. We are requesting that JCNA members donate any classic Jaguar related items they can to help form these new museums.
Find out more information about becoming a patron at the Coventry Foundation's website.
To be the primary source for information and material related to the heritage of Jaguar® Cars in North America. To educate the public on subjects useful to the individual and beneficial to the community and to advance education related to the heritage of Jaguar ® Cars in North America. Further to create a facility (Museum) where automobiles, printed material, and artwork related to the Jaguar® Marque can be displayed for the enjoyment of the public and facilitate research on the marque.
To perpetuate the heritage of Jaguar® Cars in North America, being a major archive of printed material, specialty tools related to Jaguar® Cars, and desirable older models. Providing annual scholarships to students interested in the automotive restoration arts, and attending accredited programs for the restoration of older cars. Be a resource for historical information related to the restoration, and repair Jaguar® Cars, and providing information, copies of out of print documents, loan specialty tools to anyone with an interest or need related to Jaguar® Cars. Serve the needs of the Jaguar enthusiast throughout the USA by providing a forum for the exchange of information, and ideas. We believe that the cars should be enjoyed and driven or raced, and we should share the joy of these wonderful cars and their fascinating owners. Promote the hobby and encourage people of all ages to become involved.
Respect for the cars, the heritage of the marque and each other. Value to our patrons. Always be responsible to the people and places we touch. Our aim is to ensure that everyone benefits from working with us. Develop the base of knowledge of all involved. Caring neighbors. Respect, compassion, & humanity. Care about our patrons, colleagues, and the general population with an interest in our hobby. Teamwork. Aim for the highest standards in the way we work, and the quality of the information we provide. Build mutually beneficial relationships with colleagues, patrons, and others with interest. Integrity in all we do. We should act in a fair, honest and transparent way. Everything we do must stand the test of public scrutiny.
