1959 Jaguar Mk I

In 1955, Jaguar unveiled their first post-war compact saloon with a monococque body (another first for the company) and power from a DHOC 2.4 litre six-cylinder engine: The Jaguar Mk I. The recirculating ball steering, rear leaf springs and drum brakes were familiar from other models but the 2.4 created a new form of Browns Lane product – a five-seater sporting four-doors with independent front suspension - and a wholly separate identity from the big Mk VIIM. The styling was elegant, the top speed was 102mph and the asking price was an extremely reasonable £1,269. Known in period as the 2.4, the car was succeeded by the Jaguar Mk 2 and the range is now commonly referred to as the Jaguar Mk 1.

The Jaguar 2.4 debuted at the 1955 Earls Court Motor Show and was available in two forms: the ‘Special Equipment’ version and the Standard, which cost £1,198 and was devoid of a bonnet mascot, a heater, reversing, fog and spot lamps, windscreen washers, clock, tachometer, cigar lighter and folding armrests. Although it was listed throughout the Mk 1’s lifespan only 14 standard models were made for internal factory use and none are believed to survive.

In 1956, Jaguar altered the back axle ratio and fitted longer front springs and in February of the following year they introduced the 210bhp 3.4. This was in response to North American dealers, who believed that their customers needed the option of more power, and the new model was distinguished from its stablemate by a larger front grille, cut-away rear wheel spats and a top speed of 120mph. There was also the option of automatic transmission – already essential for the US driver.

Home market sales of the 3.4 began in the autumn of 1957 - at a price still under £1,900 – when four-wheel disc braking became optional across the range. This was in response to customers finding drums wholly unsuited to the larger engine’s power - a red triangle badge on the rear bumper denotes a Mk 1 so-equipped. By September of 1957 the 2.4 gained the 3.4’s grille and wings and in November it was also available in automatic form. The drum brakes’ servo was improved in 1958 but discs finally became standard equipment in January 1959. Jaguar halted all Mk 1 production in June of that year, although sales carried into 1960.

The 2.4 was powered by de-stroked 2,443cc version of Jaguar’s famed XK engine and the 3.4’s unit was essentially the XK140 unit with a stronger shell. The standard gear box was a 4-speed Moss unit with overdrive and, from 1957, 3-speed Borg Warner DG automatic transmission as extras on both models.

The Jaguar 2.4 is not the easiest of potential town cars (PAS was never a factory option on any Mk 1) but the former is well-suited to life as a cruising car, although the automatic box makes travel extremely leisurely. The 3.4 is obviously far more rapid and anyone used to the Mk 2 will note how light it feels. On both models, many owners believe that radial ply tyres improve handling.

Rot is a perennial concern on any Mk 1, especially around the front cross-member, the chassis box sections, outer sills, wings and door bottoms. Engines are often prone to overheating and the rear crank oil seal can prove very problematic and the rear suspension should be checked for any fractures. There is an excellent network of owners’ clubs but beware cars with poor bright work and/or interiors as these can prove very expensive to restore.

The Jaguar Mk 1 is no longer regarded as the opening act for the Mk 2 and is seen as one of Jaguar’s most important models. Some prefer the lines of the early 2.4, the full spats emphasising the narrow rear track while others will opt for the performance of the 3.4. In either case, you will be taking the wheel of a car that redefined the notion of the European sports saloon.

In terms of British cars of similar size, buyers might also consider the Riley Pathfinder, the Daimler Conquest or – possibly the Jaguar’s closest rivals – the Rover P4 105S or the Armstrong-Siddeley Sapphire 234/236. Those bent on an offbeat competitor could choose to shop for a Slough-built Citroen DS19.