Lot 035: 1957 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. Finished in British Racing Green with Suede Green leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "condition 1" with regard to its engine, four-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres. Built on September 23rd 1957 and shipped to Australian Jaguar Dealers, Brysons some seventeen days later, chassis number '900483' has spent most of its life Down Under. Prompted by sun damaged paintwork, the MKI is said to have undergone an extensive restoration approximately ten years ago. As well as a bare-metal respray in its original British Racing Green livery, work apparently included an engine overhaul and interior retrim (new headlining, carpets, Connolly hides etc). Returning to Coventry some two years ago, the saloon attended the MKI's 50th anniversary celebrations at Jaguar's Browns Lane factory during which it was awarded a concours prize. Referenced in both the Jaguar Heritage magazine (No.22) and Jaguar Enthusiasts Club magazine (November 2005), '900483' is believed but not warranted to have covered less than 30,000 miles from new. Judged by the seller to "look and drive as crisply as when it left the factory in 1957", this pampered Big Cat is worthy of close inspection.