"The Jaguar Mk. VIII was introduced at the 1956 London Motor Show and shared its 10-foot wheelbase with its predecessor, the Jaguar Mk. VII, which outwardly it closely resembled. However, the interior fittings were more luxurious than those of the Mk. VII. Distinguishing visually between the models is facilitated by changes to the front grille, the driving or fog lamps being moved from the front panel to the horizontal panel between bumper and front panel, larger rear lamps and, most obviously, a curved chrome trim strip below the waistline which allowed the factory to offer a variety of two-tone paint schemes. In addition, the new car had rear spats that were cut back to display more of the rear wheels and featured a one-piece slightly curved windscreen, where the Mk. VII had incorporated a two-piece front screen of flat glass. The Mk. VIII inherited from its predecessor, the 3442cc straight six-speed automatic engine which it shared with the Jaguar XK140 that appeared two years earlier with the claimed top speed in excess of 106mph, considered impressive given the car's bulk. Transmission options included overdrive or a Borg Warner three-speed automatic gearbox.
Originally registered on 6th April 1959 this Jaguar presents in very good order throughout. An interesting history accompanies 444 JTB, the car was put into a lock-up garage in 1969 where it lay until 1977 when it was discovered by the late owner’s grandson. It remained in the lock-up until 1992 when he agreed with The Bamford Motor Company near Rochdale to carry out a full restoration. Photographic evidence is available, however their work included stripping the car to a bare shell and repainting the car. The engine was removed, stripped down and overhauled before going back in the car. The red leather interior has been preserved and has a delightful patina, front and rear seat belts have been fitted and are a sensible addition. This Mk. VIII really is a very well sorted genuine car, having had no welding and with a virtually perfect underside. Described as being a delight to drive with the manual gearbox operating as it should, as does the overdrive unit. Supplied with a V5C registration document and a current MoT test certificate valid until 23rd November 2023, together with invoices totalling over £30,000. This Jaguar Mk. VIII must be one of the best, if not the best one available anywhere today."