Description
This long, streamlined leviathan devours the tarmac in silence, swaying on its soft suspension. Under the endless bonnet, the plush, muffled murmur of the long inline-six is barely audible in the cocoon of the cabin.
Everything about this powerful saloon exudes delicacy, its lines already symbolising the future XJ6 launched in 1968. Succeeding the large MK IX, the MK X was tasked with top-end duties above the sportier MK2 3. 8-litre. Its primary target was the American market, where Coventry’s marque had been riding high since the launch of the Jaguar XK120. Faced with the recent success of the Jaguar E in the USA, the feline brand had so little to offer that it refused to lend one for the TV series "The Saint" with Roger Moore.
To achieve this, the flagship adopted at the rear the independent rear suspension of the Jaguar E and, above all, its mechanicals in its most sharpened form (Straight Port) with three carburettors delivering 265 SAE bhp. The power to move this magnificent two‑tonne ship in road trim to nearly 200 km/ h. In 1961, that speed was surreal for this kind of car. Not only for its luxurious presentation, particularly the interior upholstered in leather and precious woods, the MK X would not blush next to a Bentley but offered far superior dynamic qualities with a very powerful four‑disc Dunlop braking system, good independent suspension and above all exceptional performance. Cherry on the pudding, it was offered at a price two times lower than that of a Bentley. Almost, at around 40, 000 francs of the era with the optional automatic transmission as on this version. This splendid Jaguar Mk10 benefits from a full expert appraisal. A must see.
