Four generations of military service, one eternal Jaguar

 

 

NOTHING embodies timeless luxury quite like the iconic ‘big cat’, the 1948 Jaguar 1.5 Litre (Mark IV) saloon owned by Squadron Leader Dr Subir Mukerji (Retd). This elegant Jaguar has been a standout at vintage and classic car and bike rallies in Nagpur, clinching top honours as many as 12 times. It has also been celebrated multiple times as the ‘best maintained’ and ‘most beautiful’ car in various rallies. Even amid fierce competition from other stunning entries, this Jaguar consistently steals the spotlight. Dr Mukerji represents the third generation of his family to serve as doctors in the Indian Armed Forces. Continuing the proud tradition, his son now serves as a doctor in the Indian Army, marking the fourth generation.

 

 

The car’s distinguished provenance adds to its allure, its first owner was the late Mohammed Hidayatullah, former Chief Justice of India and later Vice President of India. The second owner was the late DPR Cassad, from whom Dr Mukerji acquired it in 1970. Dr Mukerji takes immense pride in his prized possession, maintaining it in pristine, gleaming condition. The car will be on display at the Rotary-The Hitavada Vintage Car Rally, organised in association with the Cent India Vintage Automotive Association (CIVAA), on December 28 at St Ursula Girls High School Ground in Civil Lines. Powered by an inline four-cylinder overhead-valve engine displacing 1776 CC, the car is fed by an SU carburettor and delivers modest yet refined performance typical of its era, with fuel efficiency around 8-10 km per litre. “I never needed major repairs since purchasing the car.

 

Virtually no major components have been replaced. The original 1948 factory chrome plating remains intact, and the imposing Lucas headlamps with their chrome detailing are a highlight,” Dr Mukerji shares. He adds that the car’s handling and maneuverability reflect the characteristics of large saloons from its time, with a notably wide turning circle. The vehicle retains its original tool kit, elegantly mounted on the interior of the rear boot lid. “The original leather upholstery is still in excellent condition, calf leather seats in Oxford Blue, complete with a central folding armrest in the rear and reading lights on either side for added comfort,” he notes. While maintenance is manageable through dedication, sourcing parts is a challenge. “Jaguar tyres, once manufactured in Madhya Pradesh and readily available in Nagpur for 3,000-4,000 rupees. Now it has to be imported from England,” Dr Mukerji explains. Bureaucratic hurdles add to the ownership experience: “RTO approvals and paperwork can be quite cumbersome. My car bears the registration BYG 15, which must now be updated to 0015 under new norms.” Yet, as Dr Mukerji proudly affirms, “The car shows no signs of age—no creaks or knocks.” This cherished Jaguar stands as a testament to enduring heritage.