Lot details

Year: 1963
Make: Jaguar
Model: Mk. X Saloon
Registration: AFW 131A
Chassis No: 305986DN
Engine No: ZA8923-8
Mileage: 40,260
•: Previous Skopos Motor Museum example
•: Rare and desirable manual overdrive gearbox
•: Enthusiast engineer owned

The Jaguar Mk. X was the top of the range saloon built by the British manufacturer primarily aimed at the US market. The unitary construction body-shell was codenamed 'Zenith' during development and this floor pan continued in production long after production ended. The interior was the last Jaguar with abundant standard woodwork, including the dashboard, escutcheons, window trim, a pair of large book-matched fold-out rear picnic tables and a front seat pull-out picnic table stowed beneath the instrument cluster. It was also the first Jaguar saloon to feature independent rear suspension and differed from earlier large Jaguar saloons in having 14" wheels instead of the more common 15". The car initially featured a 3,781cc version of Jaguar's XK in-line, six-cylinder engine. For the London Motor Show in October 1964, the enlarged 4,235cc unit took over although the 3.8 litre unit could still be specified until October 1965. Stopping power for this heavy car came from servo assisted disc-brakes on all four wheels; power assisted steering was standard.

This Mk. X Jaguar is fitted with the very rare and desirable manual overdrive gearbox. It was first registered on 6th September 1963 with the registration AFW 131A. Presented in a distinguished colour combination of metallic bronze with a complementary tan leather interior showing a wonderful patina, Webasto sunroof, electric windows all round and steel wheels. Early in its life the car was re-registered as 6670 VR and, although not much history is available from that time, it is known that the car was originally owned in Dorset before being displayed as an exhibit at the Skopos Motor Museum (now known as the Yorkshire Motor Museum) who indicate a total mileage of just 31,716 in August of 2000.

Early in 2002, the car stayed a short time in the ownership of a collector before being purchased in 2003 from the collector's widow by the father of our vendor. The car was taken to his estate in Ireland and was registered 63-D-810, where it resided as part of his private collection until 2018 when his son (our vendor) returned the car to the UK under its original registration. This example is in very good order throughout, testament to the care received throughout its ownership, and presents as an original unrestored car boasting copious history from both its time in Ireland and since its return to the UK.

These Jaguars enjoy a well-respected place in automotive history and with its commanding presence and glorious 3.8 litre Jaguar engine, it is not hard to see why. This Mk. X is a great original example with a delightful patina. You would be hard pushed to find a genuine unrestored car in such good condition today. Consigned by Dominic Lake