Lot 437: 1958 Jaguar MK VIII Saloon

It is often forgotten that Jaguar's venerable XK engine was originally designed for the Mk VII saloon, although of course it first appeared in the sensational 1948 XK120. Yet despite the five seater saloon's considerable extra weight, the XK's 3,442cc and 160bhp could still propel the Mk VII to over 100mph and 0-60mph in 13.7 seconds when launched in 1950. Add excellent handling belying its size, via wishbone/coil springs at the front and a live rear axle, and good drum brakes, and the Mk VII represented one of the ultimate sports saloons of the Fifties. For 1955 the Mk VII was superceded by the Mk VIIM, the only differences being an engine output of 180bhp and the options of overdrive and automatic transmission. Three years later the Mk VIIM was replaced by the 210bhp Mk VIII, distinguishable by duo-tone paintwork and one-piece rather than split windscreen. Transmission included a four speed manual gearbox with optional overdrive or Borg Warner three speed automatic transmission. But it was not just on the road that the Mk VII and Mk VIII excelled, it was also formidable in competition. 1952 saw Mk VIIs take fourth and sixth places on the Monte Carlo Rally and Stirling Moss finish second in the Silverstone production car race; four years later, by when Mk VIIs were dominating touring car races - which they did until the advent of the Mk I in 1957 - Ronnie Adams won the Monte Carlo outright, quite an achievement given the lighter and more agile opposition. After a two year production run the Mark VIII was replaced by the Jaguar Mark IX, 6,227 Mark VIIIs having been produced. Manufactured in 1958 this manual example is fitted with the desirable overdrive option. The car is described as being in excellent condition throughout and is finished in metallic green with cream. Supplied with a MoT test certificate valid until May next year, V5 registration document, original buff log book and owner's handbook, this car has some subtle modern upgrades making it much easier to use: remote central locking, power-assisted steering, immobiliser, electronic ignition and choke mechanism and a cleverly hidden and upgraded Kenwood stereo system. A truly stunning and usable classic that has been completely restored, it is reported to drive extremely well. The registration number RUX 46 is also included in the sale.