Jaguar MkX 4.2 Saloon

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Jaguar launched its gargantuan Mark X Saloon in the Autumn of 1961. Imperious, rakish and exaggeratedly wide, it was technically more advanced than any of its precdecessors.

It featured independent rear suspension (unheard of in a British saloon of the time) using a system similar to that of the contemporary E-Type, and also shared the sports car’s engine; the well-tried 3.8-litre XK straight six breathing through triple SU carburettors, enlarged to 4.2-litres from 1964 onwards.

The car had a smooth ride unmatched by its more-than-twice-the-price Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud rival and, even at nearly two tons in weight, still managed to handle nimbly. Power steering was standard while the there was a choice of either manual Moss four-speed gearbox or Borg-Warner automatic transmission.

The Mk X is perhaps an acquired taste, but still a distinctive and individual car with a character as big as its dimensions (16ft 10in long and 6ft 4in wide). With its gloriously roomy wood and leather-lined cabin and rear picnic tables, it’s a car to revel in as much as to drive. Its ability will surprise you.

This exceptional MkX 4.2 Automatic has a history file that is as vast as the car itself. It was bought new by Ronald Jenns of Coventry, a Jaguar employee who took advantage of his 17.5% staff discount to acquire the car for £2,100.13s.6d in March 1966 (original purchase invoice on file). Jenns kept the car right up until his death in 2010 and our vendor acquired it from his widow very soon afterwards.

A stickler for detail, Jenns kept a meticulous log of every single penny he spent on the car in his 44-year ownership, also keeping every invoice and every scrap of paper associated with the car including the original handbooks, maintenance manuals, sales brochures, Heritage Certificate, leather swatches etc. It all adds up to one of the most extraordinary history files we have ever seen and it will take the lucky new owner many hours to comb through it all. A large quantity of spares are also available by separate negotiation if desired. 

Impeccably maintained throughout its life, the car was fully restored between 1980 and 1986 including an engine rebuild at 75,000 miles, the odometer currently showing 111,449 miles. It was also colour changed from its original Opalescent Golden Sand to Ascot Fawn and a black vinyl roof was fitted as was fashionable at the time. A host of invoices show meticulous upkeep since and the car needs to be seen and sat in to be fully appreciated. The interior is a work of art in itself and the standard of fit and finish is exemplary.

In fabulous condition throughout, this MkX speaks for itself so we won’t bang on any longer here – just come and take a look at it! We love this car and we can only imagine how much more amazing it would look if it was returned to its original Opalescent Golden Sand and that vinyl roof was removed…