2022-02-25 11:38:52 | pauls writes:

Car at auction 2/22

themarket.bonhams.com/en/listings/jaguar/mk-ix/0a87279a-2699-466e-9e15-08b3a12d1 ...

Auction description:

Location: The Market HQ, Abingdon, United Kingdom

Seller Type: Private

Odometer Reading: 88237

Chassis Number: 792284BW

Gearbox: auto

Steering position: LHD

Colour: Red / Cream

Interior: Red Leather

Estimated Price: £6,000 - £10,000

This motor car is being sold as part of an overseas collection. It has been imported under the Bonhams temporary admission customs bond and is therefore subject to the lower rate 5% import tax if the car is to remain in the UK & purchased by a private individual.

In common with the majority of cars in this collection, this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section.

We have not started or driven the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

It is available for view and inspection at our HQ near Abingdon and we will be delighted to show the car to you and/or your appointed engineer.

We have no idea where it was or what it was doing before 2004, when it was shipped from Le Havre to the Middle East on 20th September.

We know that it was bought for the vendor’s static display collection in 2012/13.

And we know that it hasn’t turned a wheel since then.

Today, the odometer reads 88237.

The car seems to us to be in decent cosmetic condition, and although there are issues to address, we’re of the opinion that this is an honest, serviceable car.

Provided, of course, that the engine and mechanicals are good and that the vehicle has plenty of structural integrity.

As stated, we haven’t been able to start or drive it but we have turned the engine over by hand and can therefore attest that it isn’t seized.

On the Outside

This car is very handsome in its two-tone burgundy and cream paintwork, the majority of which has held up very well over the years.

There are no significant dinks, dents or creases to the bodywork. The panels are straight and true.

The shut lines seem consistent and the doors open and close as they should.

The chrome is generally in good nick, with most of the larger pieces, such as the grille and bumpers, bright and shiny.

The chrome surrounds to the rear light clusters are showing some pitting and foxing, as is some of the chrome on the wheels. There is some tarnishing to the chrome trim running along the car’s flanks and, in places, around the windows.

There is a significant patch of bubbling at the bottom of the n/s/r door. There is a little rust in evidence around the edges of the sunroof.

The removable rear ‘spats’ are straight and in good condition. They are on the back seat at the time of writing.

The wheels, while not obviously damaged, have paint missing from the rims and are in need of a little TLC in general.

Much of the rubber trim around the windows is cracked or perished.

On the Inside

It’s very easy to imagine that the interior, with its leather seats, burr walnut dash and door cappings, jewel-like instruments, picnic tables and lockable magazine cabinet, was once a beautiful and very classy place to spend some time.

This is why they were popular with heads of state and at least partly explains how Jaguar sold over 10,000 Mark IXs.

While the years have not been kind to every aspect of the interior, the general condition is good and could, we think, be lifted significantly without too much time and effort.

The red leather upholstery wears the creases and patina of age with some grace. Unfortunately, however, there is a significant split in the leather on the driver’s side of the front bench.

The rear seats have fared rather better.

Wherever you look, front and back, the wooden veneers are rich and glossy.

The door cards have held up well, too, as has the headlining. The carpets, though a little dusty and tired-looking, would no doubt shape up if threatened with a vacuum cleaner and some proper cleaning treatments.

The instruments, steering wheel, column shift and handbrake all look to be in good condition.

We can’t make any claims about the functionality of switches, knobs, levers, toggles, buttons, dials or other electrics as we haven’t been able to start the vehicle.

The boot is solid and contains a spare wheel and a few tools.

Lifting up the carpets here or in the rest of the car reveals a standard bloom of rust dust but nothing that rings any particularly loud alarm bells with us.

Underneath

From what we can see, the undersides are strong, sound and untroubled by anything that looks as if it might threaten the structural integrity of the vehicle.

Clearly, though, you’ll want to look for yourself and reach your own conclusion.

The engine and engine bay appear to be clean and dry and, as far as we can tell, everything is in its right and proper place.