1948 Jaguar Mk4 Highway Cruiser

This project is the 'resto-mod' (restoration-modification) of a 1948 Jaguar 3½ Litre ‘Mark IV’ saloon. The owner in Victoria is looking for a comfortable and reliable daily driver and highway cruiser to complement his collection of authentic Jaguar vehicles.

The Ford V8-powered cruiser will deliver greater reliability and maintainability for a daily-drive, while still offering the enjoyment of the classic post-war elegance and graceful styling of Jaguar.

The 'resto-mod' will include upgraded driveline, brakes and suspension as we resurrect the post-WWII Jaguar and bring it into the twenty-first century.

The original 'matching numbers' engine will be retained in the car's garage in case a future custodian wishes to reinstate the original pushrod engine.

Originally painted in 'Suede Green' with a green interior, the Mk4 was delivered new to South Australia on 29 January 1948. Along with all the trappings of the era, the saloon originally includes a 3485cc straight six, four-speed transmission and mechanical brakes.

Project Timeline

The timeline below provides a structured breakdown of the resto-mod project. Please click on each section to read more details and see a related gallery of images.

FR21135 Stage 1 - Receival

"Receival" of the 1948 Jaguar 'Mk4' was simply a matter of rolling the Mk4 out of our storage building. We had been advertising the Mk4 as a project car on behalf of the previous owner.

FR21135 Stage 2 - Mockups and Modifications

Mocking up through CAD design, using Finch Restorations' 3D laser-scanner, is faster and safer than performing the equivalent activities in the workshop. Andrea, alone, can achieve what may require ...