Jaguar’s Mk. I Saloon (sedan, on this side of the pond), produced from 1955 to 1959, embodied the marque’s ethos of “Grace, Pace and Space.” Produced in both 2.4 and 3.4-liter variants, the cars were only referred to by the Mk I name retroactively, following the introduction of the Mk II in 1959. These innovative cars came onto the market in the middle of Jaguar’s five victories in seven years at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (1951,1953,1955, 1956, 1957) and combined a race-proven DOHC six-cylinder engine and suspension elements with modern streamlined styling that reflected Jaguar sports cars and the aerodynamic efficiency of the winning C-type and D-Type Jaguars at Le Mans. The Mark I also initiated Jaguar’s dominance of British Saloon Car racing. The car was a real sport sedan and British champions including Stirling Moss, Mike Hawthorn, and Roy Salvadori chose Mk I Jaguars as their personal transportation.
This 1959 Jaguar Mk I 3.4 Saloon was sold new in Berkley, California, and underwent a total restoration in 2010. The seller states that the car received a Jaguar Club North America Concours d’Elegance score of 97.8 in show judging, and “remained in California until coming to Vermont.” Per the pictured Jaguar Heritage Certificate, the car was built in the last run of the Mk I and shipped from the factory in November 1958, and it retains the original 3.4-liter engine. The seller notes an upgrade to a Mk II power steering unit during the restoration, as well as the installation of a Lucas combination generator and power steering pump.
POWERTRAIN
The 3.4-liter inline-six with two SU HD6 carburetors produced 210 horsepower and 213 lb-ft of torque in 1959, according to published data. The originality of the engine in this Mk I is confirmed by a Jaguar Heritage Certificate issued in 2014, which will be provided to the buyer. The engine was rebuilt in 2010, as part of this Mk I’s restoration, and per the seller, the engine starts from cold, warms, and lowers rpm as it should. The three-speed automatic transmission is said to operate “as new.” The seller describes the engine compartment as in “original condition,” with some sections of wiring “properly replaced with correct harness sections over the years.” As the photos show, the underhood area presents as very clean.
EXTERIOR
The seller states that the exterior is “in excellent condition,” and that the “paint has held up quite nicely.” Photos do depict a few chips and cracks in the finish, and the bumpers are described as having some “pitting and scratches.” The chrome window trim is described by the seller as “excellent,” and he states that all glass, except for the windshield, is original. Included with the sale will be a complete tool kit, jack and wrench, a “complete replacement rubber set,” and a new four-piece set of weatherstripping between the window and the wood.
INTERIOR
According to the seller, “the interior is in good shape but shows some use and age.” The headliner is described as nice, as is the dash wood, which is “all original and in need of refinishing.” The wool carpets are said to have a few stains and to show some fiber loss. Rubber seals are described as “recent,” but the seller notes the windlace “has some deterioration in places.” All gauges, controls and interior trim are complete. Per the seller, all gauges including the low fuel lamp are working, but “the fuel gauge reads backwards as a result of a replacement part from another model with a negative ground.” The heat is said to work, and there is no air conditioning. Seat belts have been added in the interest of occupant safety.
CHASSIS
Per the Jaguar Heritage Certificate, this Mk I was fitted with disc brakes at the factory. The seller makes note that “everything was new” at the time of restoration, and the steering was upgraded with Mk II power steering which, as previously noted, “weeps a bit.” No modifications have been made to the undercarriage or suspension. Photos of the undercarriage show that it was undercoated during the restoration and has been maintained to a high standard. The wheels and tires are said to be in “good condition,” with a bit of light pitting on the wheels. The Coker tires reportedly have “lots of tread,” but “are old enough to need replacing” in the seller’s words.
DOCUMENTATION
As Vermont does not issue titles for vehicles of this age, the seller states that this vehicle will be sold on the proper document in his name for transfer of ownership. This restored and well maintained 1959 Jaguar Mk I 3.4 Saloon, with its original engine and a Jaguar three-speed automatic transmission, will be sold with a Jaguar Heritage Certificate, a set of original service manuals, a parts manual, and a copy of the 3.4-liter engine manual. Service records from the current owner will also be provided.
More photos and information found on the Hemmings Site (click below).
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