Jaguar MkI 3.4 Automatic

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When Jaguar acquired their Browns Lane site in 1951, they had ambitious plans for the increased production capacity that it provided.

It took a few years to establish the site and develop their new model, the Jaguar 2.4. Using a shorter stroke version of their brilliant twin cam six, the new model was their first foray into monocoque construction. Over-engineered like so many of the early monocoque constructions, the thick pillars and massive box sections made the car very strong indeed, a fact that was to stand it in good stead later in its life on the race track. The front suspension used coil springs, double wishbones and an anti-roll bar, while at the rear the live axle was located with trailing arms and a Panhard rod much like the Jaguar D-Type.

Designed to compete in the small executive car class, it wasn’t long before its customers, especially in America, craved more power. Given that the external dimensions of the 3.4-litre engine fitted to the Jaguar Mk VIII were the same, it didn’t take long to fit this 210bhp unit and introduce it as a new model, the Jaguar 3.4, in February 1957 amid the hiatus caused by a major fire at the plant.

At the same time, a larger grille was fitted to help cool the bigger engine, a stronger axle was fitted and the full rear spats were cut out to allow for the spinners on the optional wire wheels if specified. Good for 120mph and a 0-60mph dash in a little over 10 seconds, they were snapped up in some order, the additional £332 needed for the larger engined car adding considerably to the coffers of the company. Nearly 17,500 3.4s were built, the majority of them made for export which was good for the coffers of the country too. They were superseded by the Mark II which came along in 1959 with its bigger windows and more contemporary dashboard.

This matching numbers 3.4 Automatic was originally exported to Australia. An accompanying Heritage Certificate confirms that it was built in RHD form for export, and was completed on 13th August 1958. Sold via Brysons of Sydney, it was delivered in black with biscuit trim. At some point in its life it has been repainted in Old English White, a previous owner obviously realising that a black car in the Australian heat is probably not such a good idea.

The vendor’s son was backpacking through an outer suburb of Sydney in 2000 and spotted the car for sale on a driveway. A quick call to Dad back in the UK got the necessary instruction to “buy it” and it was duly shipped home.

Dry stored for a number of years, the owner then embarked on a complete restoration. He found the bodyshell to be in excellent and highly original condition, retaining its factory correct panel gaps. The car was given a bare metal respray and all window and door seals were replaced during the build up.

Hurley Engineering in Bath fully overhauled the engine, with the automatic gearbox getting the same treatment from noted specialists G Whitehouse Autos of Halesowen. The carburettors were reconditioned, a stainless steel exhaust fitted and a new wiring harness installed. In addition an exchange starter motor was fitted, while all suspension bushes, joints etc were replaced along with the rear shock absorbers. A stem-to-stern brake overhaul has also been carried out with all new cylinders, shoes, pipes and hoses etc.

Only reluctantly for sale due to a house move and consequent loss of storage, this prime example is described by the vendor as “running and driving as well as it looks”. It is MOTd until August 2014 (although no longer needs a ticket) and taxed until March 2015.

Available here at a fraction of the cost it took to restore, it will certainly add some ‘Grace, Space and Pace’ to any collection.