Lot 633: Jaguar MkI 3.4

The Jaguar Mark 1 was a saloon car produced by Jaguar between 1955 and 1959. Referred to in contemporary company documentation as the Jaguar 2.4-litre and Jaguar 3.4-litre, the word "Saloon was often added. The designation "Mark 1 was included retrospectively on its replacement by the Mark 2. The 2.4-litre was the company's first "small saloon since the demise of its 1� Litre cars in 1949 and were an immediate success, easily outselling the larger Jaguar saloons.

Although having a family resemblance to the larger Mark VII, it differed in many ways. Most importantly, it was the first Jaguar with unitary construction of body and chassis. The car's independent front suspension featured double wishbones, coil springs, and an anti-roll bar. The front suspension subframe was mounted on the body by rubber mounts. The live rear axle was positively located by quarter elliptic leaf springs, trailing arms and a Panhard rod in a manner reminiscent of the Jaguar D-type, being a significant improvement over the other saloons and XK sports cars. The rear wheel track was some 4.5 in (114 mm) narrower than the front track and looked peculiar from behind, a feature that was blamed (probably incorrectly) for excessive understeer at low speed. It was reported to be better balanced at higher speeds.

Initially, the Mark 1 was offered with a 2.4 litre, 112 bhp, short-stroke version of the XK120's twin-cam six-cylinder engine, but from 1957 the larger and heavier 3.4 litre 210 bhp unit already used in the larger Jaguars also became available, largely in response to pressure from US Jaguar dealers. Wire wheels became available. The 3.4 had a larger front grille, a stronger rear axle, and rear wheel covers (spats) were cut away to accommodate the wire wheels' spinners. In Autumn 1957 a three speed Borg-Warner automatic transmission became available with either engine. From 1957 the 2.4 also got the larger grille. The car was available in Standard or Special Equipment versions with the former lacking rev counter, heater (available as an option), windscreen washers, fog lights and cigarette lighter. Both versions did however have leather upholstery and polished walnut trim. 19,992 of the 2.4 and 17,405 of the 3.4 litre versions were made.

Chassis no 978844DN was first registered on 8th September 1959 and delivered new to Middlesex. The car has been with the same family since 1964 and is described by the vendor as being in good overall condition, the car shows a wonderful patina having its original blue paintwork and the grey interior remaining completely unmolested.

173 JPP comes complete with a history file including V5, current and past MoT certificates, tax discs, a maintenance chart, original buff log book and various bills and receipts for works carried out on the car over the years. Reported to start first time every time, this well loved car is an excellent opportunity to acquire a very original example of one of these classic Jaguars.