Launched in 1955, the Mk. I extended Jaguar's domination of the high-performance car market in Britain, slotting neatly into the Coventry firm's range alongside the big Mk. VII saloon and the XK140 sportscar. The medium size newcomer broke new ground for Jaguar, being its first model to employ unitary construction of the chassis/body. Jaguar's engineers were understandably cautious in their approach, making the bodyshell stronger than in fact it needed to be and employing rubber mountings just about everywhere to insulate occupants from vibration and noise. The Mk. I was released with a new, short stroke, 2.4 litre version of the proven XK 'six', but demands for more power, especially from American customers, prompted the introduction of the 3.4 litre version early in 1957. With 190bhp on tap the 3.4 litre Mk. I was good for a top speed of 120mph and could reach 60mph in nine seconds, though if used to the full, this greatly improved performance severely taxed the drum brakes. All-round disc brakes were hurriedly announced as an option, becoming an almost universal fitting thereafter. The Mk. I was progressively updated throughout its life before a wholesale revision of the basic design saw it re-launched as the Mk. II in October 1959.

This 1958 Jaguar Mk. I is fitted with the desirable 3.4 litre engine mated to a manual gearbox with overdrive and was recently imported from South Africa. The car runs and drives very well and has just had the brakes overhauled and the electrics and ignition system gone through and replaced where necessary. Finished in its original British Racing Green with maroon interior, this Jaguar Mk. I would make an ideal car for rebuilding for historic racing. Supplied with a V5 registration document and a Heritage Certificate, these beautifully sculptured Jaguars are becoming increasingly collectable. Consignor John Tomlin.

Lot details
Year: 1958
Make: Jaguar
Model: Mk. I (3.4 litre)
Registration: 148 XVY
Chassis No: S972725 DN
Engine No: KE7241-7
Mileage: 66,921

* Very original
* Fitted with the desirable 3.4 litre engine
* Manual with overdrive gearbox