Introduction
Darren Rungasamy
The first of its genre, the Jaguar MK1 is an elegant and brisk family sports saloon.
First launched in 1956, the MK1 defined the modern family performance car. It featured a revolutionary unitary body and an advanced suspension system mated to a range of potent engines. Famous for its handling and stability, the MK1 also offered a lavish interior experience, borrowing the leather-and-veneer luxury typically reserved for Jaguar’s high-end sports models.
Defined by its iconic silhouette, featuring rear-wheel spats, slim windows, and a curvaceous tail, the MK1 served as the predecessor to the MK2. However, this exceptional 1956 model, modified by a lifelong Jaguar aficionado, holds its own against its more famous successor, offering a charm that many may find rather appealing.
Coming to market from ~10 years with our vendor and presented in striking 'Clarendon Blue' over a grey leather interior, this robust and well-maintained MK1 boasts an impressive history. While it underwent an undocumented restoration in the past, its true value lies in the £50,000+ invested in comprehensive renovations since 2017.
Fitted with a fully rebuilt 3.4-litre XK engine paired with a smooth Toyota 5-speed manual gearbox, it also has renewed suspension and the addition of front disc brakes for improved safety and handling. Also having a beautifully restored cabin that retains its classic Jaguar charm, it also offers several practical modern upgrades.
This magazine featured car also comes with 12 months MOT, its official Heritage Certificate, and three sets of keys.
This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Glenn the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.
Secure Auctions
We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.
Full Transparency
8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.
Vehicle Delivery
We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.
Secure Auctions
We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.
Full Transparency
8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.
Vehicle Delivery
We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.
Vehicle Sold
Register your interest for similar cars.
This vehicle has now been sold - click 'I Want One' below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.
I WANT ONEAsk Questions
***RESERVE MET*** The car will be sold to the highest bidder this evening.
The text mentions the front passenger door being difficult to close and the door appears to sit proud (particularly the rear lower edge) in the pictures. Have you attempted to rectify this and/or do you know the cause ? Thanks
Hi, I am aware that the passenger door is slightly proud at the lower rear. However, the door has never caused me any problems. I have had no difficulty opening it. I showed it to the Jaguar Workshop in Chiswick who advised that I should ignore it as it was perfectly water tight and free. Hope this helps. Glenn
Any potential rust areas. Been told rear spats are prone
There are no known rust areas and Darren paid particular attention to this on his examination. The spats are excellent and undersealed on the inside.
Would you be happy to take it abroad to south of France
Hi, Yes I would be happy to drive the car to the south of France. However, as you are aware it is 70 years old, so sustained high speed motorway cruising really should be avoided. The longest motorway run I have done is London to Manchester with no problems at all. With care, all should be well. Thanks. Glenn
Hello, which power steering kit is fitted ? Also the MOT mileage goes down in 2019 and 2024 was this an error at the MOT station ? Thanks Mike
Hi Mike, The hydraulic power steering system was fitted by the Jaguar Workshop Ealing and I understand it is the same system fitted to the Jaguar 420. When all the dashboard instruments were sent to be refurbished by JDO instruments, they reset the mileage to zero. The engine was being rebuilt at the same time so the mileage shown shows the mileage after rebuild. That will also explain any gap in the MOT record.
Hi, the car looks very interesting.
How has the gearing worked out, what’s the mph/1000rpm in 5th?
Small puff of exhasut smoke on starting, assume nothing significant?
Any oil leaks?
Webasto type sunroof, assume it’s watertight, is there much wind noise when closed at motorway speeds?
Many thanks,
Keith
Hi Keith, The gearbox is the model fitted to the Toyota Supre 3000 and was supplied fully refurbished by Realm Engineering. It functions very well and is slick. At around 70mph in 5th it is around 3100 rpm. There is nothing significant with the small puff of smoke. It is merely an initial start on full choke. The car had been stored in a very cold garage for quite some time and trade classics wanted the engine cold. There are no oil leaks. The Webasto sunroof is watertight. I don’t detect any wind noise at motorway speeds. I hope this helps. Glenn
Vehicle Location
Acton, West London
Delivery Calculator