Lot 027: 1956 JAGUAR MK1 2.4 LITRE

Introduced at the October 1955 Earl's Court Motor Show, the MKI 2.4 litre was intended to broaden Jaguar's appeal beyond the volatile luxury and sportscar market sectors. Notable as the Coventry manufacturer's first monocoque design, it was equipped with independent coil and wishbone front suspension, a Panhard rod-located leaf-sprung back axle and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes (though, vacuum assisted discs soon became optional). Structurally over-engineered (especially above the waistline), the compact sports saloon was powered by a 2483cc DOHC straight-six engine allied to either four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. Though, with some 112bhp and 140lbft of torque on tap, it still boasted class-leading 100mph performance. Maintaining a sense of originality despite being stylistically indebted to its MKVII and XK140 siblings, the MKI 2.4 litre remained in production until 1959 by which time some 19,992 are thought to have left the Browns Lane factory. Given that right-hand drive 2.4 Litre production began with chassis number 900001, 'KHE 425' is a notably early specimen (or so its quoted chassis number of 900029 would imply). Finished in Pearl Grey with red leather upholstery, it is variously described by the vendor as being in "very good" (four-speed manual gearbox, interior trim) or "excellent" (engine, electrical equipment, chassis, bodywork, paintwork, wheels / tyres) condition. Further vaunted as what "must be one of the best examples of a genuinely original MKI", the Jaguar is believed to have covered just 36,873 miles by the time it entered the current (second) ownership in January 2000. Documented via a series of MOT certificates, the four-door saloon has only added a further 5,000 miles to its odometer reading during the intervening seven years. To the best of the seller's knowledge, 'KHE 425' has been "garaged from new". Riding on correct type steel wheels, the MKI is thought to pleasingly retain its original upholstery, carpets, valve radio and cast-iron grille. Only being offered for sale due to downsizing, 'KHE 425' is accompanied by a mileage confirmation letter from the first keeper, MOT certificate valid until January 18th 2008 and historic class (free) road tax valid until December 31st 2007.