1951 Jaguar Mk VII Coupe ‘Meteor’
In the early 1950s, a unique collaboration between British automaker Jaguar and Italian coachbuilder Stabilimenti Farina resulted in the creation of the 1951 Jaguar Mk VII Coupé ‘Meteor’. This rare vehicle combined Italian design flair with British engineering prowess.
The Meteor was born from a suggestion by Joska Bourgeois, Jaguar’s Belgian importer. She identified a gap in Jaguar’s lineup for a coupé and cabriolet model. After negotiations with William Lyons, Jaguar’s founder, Bourgeois was given permission to produce a limited run of 50 vehicles based on three prototypes.
Giovanni Michelotti, under the supervision of Franco Martinengo at Stabilimenti Farina, designed the Meteor’s bodywork. The car’s exterior featured elegant Italian styling cues, setting it apart from standard Jaguar models of the era. Its sleek profile and carefully crafted lines gave it a distinctive appearance that turned heads wherever it went.
Under the hood, the Meteor housed Jaguar’s renowned XK six-cylinder engine. This 3.5-liter powerplant produced 160 horsepower, providing the car with impressive performance for its time. The combination of Italian aesthetics and British engineering created a vehicle that was both beautiful to look at and exciting to drive.
Inside, the Meteor showcased a luxurious interior befitting its status as a high-end grand tourer. Rich leather upholstery and well-crafted wood trim were hallmarks of the cabin, creating an environment of refined comfort for both driver and passengers.
One of the Meteor’s most striking features was its Borrani wire wheels. These chrome-spoked wheels added a touch of sportiness to the car’s appearance and were highly prized by automotive enthusiasts.
Despite initial plans for a production run of 50 units, only three Meteors were ultimately built. This extremely limited production makes the Meteor one of the rarest Jaguars ever created. Each of the three cars was essentially a one-off creation, with subtle differences between them.
The Meteor faced little direct competition in its category. While other luxury automakers occasionally produced limited-run special models, few combined the pedigree of an established brand like Jaguar with the design expertise of a renowned Italian coachbuilder.
Over the years, the Meteor has become a coveted collector’s item. Its rarity, combined with its unique blend of British and Italian automotive heritage, has made it a standout at prestigious events like the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.
Credit: Bonhams|Cars
