Description
Manufactured on 30th April 1959 and supplied by Jaguar Cars of New York, this delightful 3-speed automatic example spent much of its life on both the east and west coast of America before its repatriation to the UK. It has since been converted to right hand drive and now features a MPH speedometer too. Of the two engine options available in the MK1, this was always assigned the more powerful 3. 4 litre unit. Being a later more powerful car, disc brakes were a standard feature too. Right hand drive MK1 3. 4 litre cars were built in approximately half the numbers of earlier 2. 4 litre versions (as were left-hand drive examples). This is quite a late car – according to archives the 1, 106th from last in fact to roll out of the Brown’s Lane factory.
The larger engine provides a 98bhp increase over the earlier 2. 4 litre derivative and consequently a very notable difference in terms of performance. Torque is improved considerably too making for a more relaxing drive. The electrically operated ‘Intermediate Speed-Hold’ is in working order and essentially helps to optimise performance further by preventing the auto ‘box from changing up too prematurely - if anticipating an overtake for example.
Repatriated in 1990 and sold by Murray Scott-Nelson of Scarborough to Mr Chris Hodgson of Malton, the car was subject to a full restoration (body and mechanical) which commenced almost immediately. Within the history file are pictures documenting this. As could be expected from having spent much of its life in California, the body appeared to be very good anyhow. The car was owned by Mr Will Swinnerton from Market Drayton in Shropshire for a number of years (2010 onwards) before being sold by notable marque specialist Jeremy Wade to the current custodian. The latter has enjoyed the car sparingly for the last four years, covering a modest indicated 216 miles. Indeed the car has covered just 4, 319 miles since the first MOT in the file following the rebuild.
Original copies of the title issued by the DMV (Dept. of Motor Vehicles) in the USA show long ownership (from 1975 until repatriation to the UK) by Mrs Pearl Evelyn Rowley of Fresno California and prior to this the car was owned by Mr James Irby Evans, also of Fresno California.
Its configuration remains as it was when supplied new; cream with red trim. The paint is exceptionally good and the quality leather is supple and well finished. The carpets remain bright and free from excessive wear, though could be improved in terms of fitment in the front passenger compartment. The biggest detraction is the headlining whereby there is some evidence of moth damage. This is confined to the rear section only however. Fundamentally the car is exceptionally solid and has covered very little mileage since its extensive restoration, albeit some years ago.
