1956 Jaguar Mk1 – Project Profile

Everyone gets all giddy and excited over the Jaguar Mk2. And rightly so; it was and still is a brilliant car. However, you can’t have a Mk2 without a Mk1, and that’s why we’re here this week to champion this 1956 Jaguar Mk1. Running and driving, it’s a very light project. In fact, it would be almost all visual stuff that you’d want to do. And doing so would be so very rewarding indeed. This is a glorious machine, and one that has survived in remarkable condition. Finished in black, it’s every bit the moody machine a classic Jaguar saloon should be, and with that XK straight-six engine mated to a manual transmission , it’s a riot to drive, too. The perfect classic you might say.

This particular example shows just 17,604 miles, which can be confirmed as far back as 1982. In fact, the vendor even used this as his wedding car in 1983, so there is no doubt the mileage, from the ’80s at least, is genuine. Plus, the overall ‘survivor’ condition of the car does not for one second suggest the mileage is in fact 117,604. This is an exceptionally rare find as a result. Kept in a dry, warm garage for forty years, this Jaguar Mk1 represents the kind of opportunity seldom seen in the classic car world. Is that your bidding finger we see twitching? Thought so.

What is it? 

As mentioned above, this is a 1956 Jaguar Mk1 2.4 saloon. Production started in 1955, making this a very early car indeed. The Mk1 is seldom seen today, as many prefer the slightly more advanced Mk2. Plus, the issues of rust and, regrettably, banger racing have seen numbers drop over the decades. However, that does all serve to pump up the rarity points. This particular car is finished in black with red leather interior with lashings of wood, naturally. Fitted with a 2.4 XK engine, it has plenty of go, too. But that was important for Jaguar, as they – Lyons in particular – wanted it to be sporty, not just luxurious. Grace, space and pace and all that.

Why is it a project? 

This is very much open to interpretation. The car is running and is in fact in superb mechanical health. The engine has been kept in fine order, the carbs have been rebuilt and rolling-road tuned, the clutch has been overhauled, the ignition is now electric, the fuel pump has been rebuilt, there’s a new battery, the list goes on. It’s turnkey and ready to drive home. Given the assumed low mileage, the underside is solid, too. Unlike many Jags of this vintage. So why a project? Well, the paint has lost some depth, there is some corrosion coming through on the arches, the chrome has some pitting, the leather is free from damage, but carries wear and the veneer is showing the years in places. You could easily use it as is, but for us, a full repaint and re-chrome would be the order of the day, along with some interior work. This car deserves to exist in 2024 in the best possible condition. And because it’s such a solid, honest base, you can be confident that spending time and money on such things would be a justified expense.

What should you look for? 

This 1956 Jaguar Mk1 is currently available on Car & Classic Auctions, meaning we have once again done all the hard work for you. Have a read through the highly detailed listing, spend an hour poring over the 187 pictures of this fine machine and you’ll be armed with everything you need to know. We have been in the car, around the car, even under the car so that you can see everything. We even photographed the extensive history file. It’s all there, so you can bid with absolute confidence.

What should you do with it? 

Buyer’s choice. If you love it how it is, then enjoy it like that. We’re not your real dad, we can’t tell you what to do. In reality, the current condition is indeed charming and delightfully honest. However, the potential the lies within a car boasting black and chrome would be too much for us to resist. So full paint in the original black would b the order of the day, along with a full re-chrome, some colour and feed for the seats and that would be job jobbed. You could buy this now and have it ready for the show season with ease. So go on, get bidding…