Jaguar MkI 2.4 Saloon

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Launched in 1955, the MkI saloon was a great step forward for Jaguar as it was the first car they had ever made using the unitary method of construction. 

Somewhat over-engineered by modern standards with a really stiff shell, the result was an inherently fine handling car to which relatively soft suspension could be added which paid dividends in ride quality and roadholding and made it a natural track car. Being a Jaguar, it also looked superb with an air of coiled energy that put it into a different league from rival executive saloons such as the stately Humber, bulbous Standard Vanguard and matronly Rover P4.

Initially it was only available as a 2.4-litre with 112bhp and a top speed of 100mph, but it was soon obvious that the car was crying out for more power so the magnificent 210bhp 3.4-litre XK engine was also installed from 1957 onwards. The luxurious interior was of similar design to Jaguar’s big saloons, with most of the dials and switches being located on the central dashboard between the driver and passenger making for a wonderfully retro cabin ambience today.

This particular 2.4 MkI Saloon was sold new in 1957 to a Mr James Robertson, a member of the Diplomatic Service, and accompanied him to Mauritius aboard the SS Dunnottar Castle (paperwork within the history file including Mr Robertson’s driving licence!). When he returned to this country in January 1960 the Jaguar came with him and was registered '2894 CR', its current number. The car remained in Mr Robertson's possession until at least 1970 when it was sold to the second owner, one Margaret Burnham Davis of Blandford Forum.

In March 1994 '2894 CR' was acquired by the third owner, Richard John Davis of Grange-over-Sands, who spent around £16,000 on an engine rebuild, replacing the inner and outer sills, refreshing consumables and fitting a stainless steel exhaust. Service records on file show that between November 1963 and June 1970 the recorded mileage rose from 30,369 to 45,885 miles, while accompanying expired MoTs indicate that between May 1994 and January 2010 the total increased from 50,350 to 54,371 miles. Mr Davis sold the car in February 2010 to the fourth owner, Mr Julian Colclough and today’s indicated mileage of 54,800 is said to be genuine.

'2894 CR' is finished in its factory colour scheme of black and retains its original and beautifully patinated red leather interior. Arguably one of the most original surviving examples, the car is very well presented and comes with its original bill of sale from Jaguar, its original buff logbook and service booklets, the aforementioned service records, MoTs, tax discs, sundry restoration invoices, Swansea V5C document and current MoT. Last serviced shortly before the auction, the vendor believes that you would be hard pressed to find a finer example.