Description
When it was launched in 1955, the MK I was the brand's first model with self-supporting bodywork instead of a ladder frame with a pontoon body, as was common for most vehicles at the time. In 1957, the desire for a more powerful engine, especially on the part of American dealers, was fulfilled. The USA was the most important sales market for Jaguar, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. The saloon therefore received the 3. 4-litre straight-six engine, which was taken over unchanged from the XK140. With 210 hp, the car was probably the fastest 4-door saloon of its time. The vehicle was also designed to be correspondingly sporty. There were Dunlop disc brakes on all 4 wheels, independent suspension with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers at the front and a modified version of the rear axle of the Le Mans winner D-Type. The latter component made the car very stable at high speeds, not least because of the track, which is narrower at the rear than at the front. On the race track, the car also established itself as the favourite in its class. Prominent drivers such as Mike Hawthorn, Stirling Moss, Roy Salvadori and Jack Sears sat behind the wheel of an MK I in touring car and saloon races.
This MK I 3. 4 was delivered by Jaguar Cars in New York in the summer of 1959 and is therefore one of the last examples of this model. Then as now, the exterior of the car is painted ‘Indigo Blue’ and the engine number is the same as when it was delivered. The car was imported to Germany in 2002 and finally to Switzerland in 2024. The car is now duty paid and has the original German vehicle registration document as well as the Swiss 13. 20a. The interior was renewed years ago, including the wooden fittings. Only the rear seat is still in its original but defective condition. The engine was completely overhauled in Germany in 2019 and hardly any kilometres have been covered since then. Invoices and pictures of the overhaul are available along with numerous other documents. This also includes a Jaguar Heritage certificate. A major service has already been carried out in our workshop and new tyres fitted. The car runs beautifully, the engine is powerful and the brakes and chassis are also fully functional. The gearbox with overdrive also works perfectly. The car is being sold as it is, but can be driven without any problems. Only a few defects remain to be repaired, such as the speedometer conversion to kilometres, repair of the fuel gauge and the rev counter and, if necessary, replacement of the rear seat. By arrangement, the car can also be purchased with a new MOT. A very rare car that can be registered with manageable effort.
* Trade-in possible*
