Description Rare M version with high-lift cams and close-ratio overdrive gearbox; few owners, the current since 2018; recently recommissioned following a period in storage; very straight, solid and original; driven to the sale; lots to like! Launched in 1950, the Jaguar MkVII Saloon was a brilliant piece of automotive design that showed the genius of William Lyons at the peak of his powers.

Designed entirely by eye, it used a series of swooping and muscular curves to turn what was a very large car into a sculptural form of pure feline grace.

It was powered by the new 3.4-litre XK engine that had been showcased two years before in the stunning XK120 sportscar.

Producing 160bhp, it could propel the Big Cat to 60mph in just over 13 seconds on its way to a top speed of 103mph – hugely impressive figures for its day.

The interior was no less a work of art with superbly crafted wood and leatherwork that could have come straight from a stately home.

It was also exceptional value for mone...