1957 Jaguar Mark VIII

Jaguar MkVIII (Saloon), 1956-1960

The Jaguar MkVIII was in production from 1956 to 1960. Styled in house by Sir William Lyons, it is a front-engine, rear wheel drive saloon seating five adults.

The Jaguar MkVIII was a development of the existing MkVIIM saloon, with a new top end incorporating a new cylinder head, new induction system, new carburettor and twin exhausts. Cosmetically, there was a new single piece windscreen, a wider surround to the radiator grille, and a chrome trim piece sitting between the colours on two tone equipped models. All seats were thicker, while rear seat passengers could enjoy the luxury of new walnut veneered tables in the back of the front seats. Until July 1957 the MkVIIM would continue in production alongside the newer car. From July 1958 the front bench seat could be replaced by independent reclining front buckets, while from the end of 1959 the car was built to special order only in preparation for the launch of the MkIX.

Check the inner and outer wings, sills and floors carefully, as these cars know how to rust. Fortunately, chassis are hardier, though it's still worth checking the outriggers, rear spring hangers and front anti roll bar mounts. Make sure you have good chromework, good woodwork and good trim, as these are the most expensive elements of the car to have restored and poor trimmings will let down an otherwise good example. You can't access the fuel tank to check for rot, but be aware it sits on sponge - this absorbs water and can lead to corrosion. Use the rest of the car as a likely barometer of condition.

A sound alternative would certainly be the earlier MkVIIM saloon - or the later MkIX - both of which are essentially the same car with minor detail differences. If you want something sleeker the later MkX is excellent value today, while equivalent Bentleys such as the S1 offer a similar package with additional pomp. Today, we'd also consider a Mercedes-Benz 300 as a reasonable alternative if you can find one, but in period they would have been hideously expensive in comparison to the Jaguar.