Lot 203: 1958 Jaguar 340 Saloon

We are so used to the deservedly popular Jaguar Mk 2s of the Sixties that one can easily forget that the car's basic ancestry went back to the retrospectively named Mk 1 of 1956. We have forgotten the very real impact this model made on its initial announcement. To begin with, it marked the beginning of a third product range for the company, widening both its commercial base and its popular appeal. Up to that time Jaguar had made only sports cars and large, expensive - albeit value for money - saloons. The company now boasted an entry level model in this more compact and modern saloon. Technically, the new car was significant in adopting unitary construction. However, the company played safe and the structure was massively over engineered and as a result it is of far greater interest to enthusiasts and restorers nearly forty years later. Low ownership means attention to detail. This car has had one owner prior to the vendor. Both gentleman have maintained this Jaguar to a high degree and used it as it was designed to be used. It was restored in the early to mid- 1990s with work undertaken by the very reputable Southern Classics amongst others. Within recent years, new tyres have been fitted as well as a number of sympathetic alterations such as increased cooling capacity radiator, power steering and the conversion to a negative earth electrical system with added alternator. A Kenlowe fan can now be found behind the radiator and the automatic choke has been converted to the more preferable manual option. A Jaguar Enthusiasts Club condition form confirms the value, after inspection, to be £19,000, and additionally the car is classified as between A+ and Concours, 'Proper restored or totally immaculate' to 'Genuine very good condition, either older restoration or very original with history and correct numbers'. Which ever way one wraps it up, this is a well presented car. Complete with registration documents, MoT test certificate, restoration photographs, original service manual and parts catalogue, the more recent history includes roles in the feature film Telstar (soon to be released) and in ITV's He Kills Coppers. Described as excellent in every respect, this powerful 3.4 litre straight six engined saloon car is far rarer than the ubiquitous Mk. II and much better value.