• Solid, rust-free body

• Functional 3.4-litre engine and gearbox

• Original and complete interior

The Mk1 was an important and successful car for Jaguar. Well-proportioned, great to drive and quick in 3.4-litre, 210bhp guise, it helped pave the way for the luxury saloon that is so prevalent nowadays. 

With a ride that is more refined than outright sporty it can still hustle when the mood takes you.

This right-hand drive, ex South African car was imported into Belgium in 2003. It was left standing and believed to be dry-stored until recently at which time it was sold to a German trader and is now available in the Netherlands. 

The car is a solid, complete, running and driving example but it will require a full recommission.

There are several invoices included with the car as well as a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate. The car also comes with an official Dutch vehicle registration (RDW) card.

The interior is in fairly decent condition overall. The original red front leather seats are in good shape with the rears having benefited from a re-trim in the past although there is some age-related patina to the material. 

There does not appear to be any damage however and the matching door cards are complete. The carpets appear dry and the wooden dash, with its fully complemented Smiths gauges, is in one piece. The wooden Moto-Lita steering wheel completes the look but the centre piece does have a crack. 

The owner tells us that the body is rust-free and judging by the pictures there is no reason to doubt that statement. 

The green paintwork is a little faded but that is to be expected for a car that has been out of service for so long. All of the chrome trim pieces are present and correct, including the original hub caps and are in fine fettle throughout requiring just a simple polish in most cases. 

The panel gaps look straight and all of the glasswork is intact.

The good news is that the 3.4-litre engine does turn over and run and the four-speed manual gearbox and clutch do work but having stood for so long the car will require a complete mechanical overhaul to bring it back to it's former glory and instil total peace of mind. The fuel tank will also need to be cleaned out.

Perhaps overshadowed somewhat by the later Mk2, the Jaguar Mk1 remains a truly great car in its own right and a solid investment. If you're in the market for a classic Jag don't follow the crowd and go for its more common, younger brother. Instead dance to your own tune and make a bid on this Mk1. 

Far from a basket case this appears to be a complete car and is a great, solid base that is ripe for some light restoration and mechanical massaging. 

With great parts and club support you'll be in good hands and you could soon be enjoying the 120mph performance and smooth, luxurious ride that these Mk1s are renowned for, all the while standing out just that little bit more.