The Mark 10 was launched in October 1961 and was the biggest top of the range car Jaguar had built, weighing approximately 2 tonnes. It’s lower bonnet line made it appear wider than most cars on the road (which it was). Even now it is still a huge charismatic car compared to modern vehicles.
The car features the same independent rear suspension system designed by Jaguar engineer Bob Blake used on the E-Type. This gives the car an exemplary ride and roadholding and floats over the bumps in the road despite its size. The car is also fitted with the same 3.8 litre XK engine as the E-Type which continued Jaguar’s reputation for producing high performance, well finished cars, that were excellent value.
• File of documents and receipts for work done over the years
• Bought from Grimsby where it was originally sold
• Service handbook
• Production Record Trace Certificate
The car comes with a file full of receipts from previous work done. There is a letter dated 1970 from Jaguar to confirm the original engine was professionally replaced.
The Jaguar’s interior is a refined affair of highly polished veneered woodwork and bright red furnishings, such as is found only in high-quality cars.
The red interior has been professionally retrimmed in a fabulous bright red material that simulates leather and is done to a high standard. Both the front and rear seats are bolstered well and legroom in the rear is ample allowing for comfort when folding down the lacquered wooden mirrored edge table. There are adjustable heater controls on the footwell.
The headliner is clean and secure with the red beading in excellent condition. The Mk.10 has a simply enormous luggage boot, the upright spare wheel wrapped in red material that matches the interior. There might be a bit of insulation needed for the underside of the boot and a bit of tidying up of the wires and carpet.
The dials and switches work but the radio will need attention as it didn’t come on. There are a few blemishes on the glossy walnut dashboard and along the door tops below the windows caused by the sun commensurate with age but overall, in good condition.
• Good chrome work, with just slight signs of pitting
• Metallic gunmetal grey paintwork
• Stainless steel exhaust
Aimed initially at the lucrative US market, the Mk.10 with its sleek look appealed to buyers in the UK who wanted quality and refinement. It’s a huge car, even at today standards, with a length of 5144 mm and 1943 mm wide.
The metallic gunmetal grey paintwork looks to be a very professional respray from the original pearlescent grey and is polished up well and glimmers in the sunshine. There are a few brush scratches along the doors and a slight crease along the centre of the boot running from side to side where it looks like something has been put on it.
Along the edges of the wheel arches will need work and there are a few other blemishes that will need addressing.
Underneath the MK.10 has been undersealed at some stage and there has been some welding done along the sills. The sill tops on the doorsteps will need work or maybe replacing, we’ve been assured spare parts are still available from several places in the UK at very reasonable prices.
• Petrol tanks anti corrosion treatment and coated
• Full recent service
• Refurbished front brake callipers
• Refined and durable 3.8l straight 6 XK engine
The car starts very well at the push of a button and the engine purrs nicely. The engine bay is clean and looks very well cared for over the years.
The refurbished brakes stop the car well. The steering is heavy as it does require new steering pump seals for the power steering. We were informed the seals on the gearbox will need replacing too as there is a small weeping leak, but gears can still be selected.
Having very little time to use and enjoy the vehicle, the seller has decided it’s time for the next owner to enjoy it and maybe improve the bodywork. He wants to spend more time with his grandchildren and less time tinkering with classic cars that need attention.
By any standards this is an impressive vehicle to see on the road.
The Mk.10 Jaguar is also a masterpiece of engineering design and manufacture. It does need some work to bring up to standard, but this is an honest classic car that was originally created for diplomats and film stars, now it’s your turn to be noticed.
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