1959 Jaguar Mk IX – Auction Car of the Week

Years ago, we here at Car & Classic were invited to a farm down in Taunton, and from there, we exhumed a long forgotten Jaguar Mk IX. And ‘exhumed’ really was the right word. This poor thing hadn’t moved an inch in what we approximated to be at least forty-three years. It was not a car we were going to start or drive but it was still a fascinating and exciting dose of ‘carcheology’ as our co-host, Jonny Smith, described it. And what was remarkable was how the car was still, albeit in a now beguiling way, utterly captivating. So much so, we’re forever looking at them here on Car & Classic. And now we have one for auction.

This 1959 Jaguar Mk IX isn’t sinking into the damp ground of the Somerset Levels. Instead, it stands resplendent and is ready to be fired up and enjoyed. Fitted with that legendary 3.8 litre straight-six XK engine, this car has been treated to a bare metal respray, the transmission has been rebuilt, the sills and chassis have been renovated, the interior has been given a tickle, there’s new chrome and it’s been maintained to the letter. This is, make no mistake, a truly outstanding example of the Jaguar Mk IX.

The seller bought the car in 2014 with a view to undertaking it as a rolling restoration. It ran, it drove, the brakes weren’t great, but it had good bones as they say, and the price was right. Over the next nine years, the car was completely transformed into what it is now – a show ready, glorious slice of truly classic motoring. No expense has been spared and while it’s not the result of a full nut and bolt restoration, we’d be willing to bet more nuts and bolts have been touched than not. It was a project powered by passion, and it shows in every detail.

Externally, this 1959 Jaguar Mk IX is finished in rich, glossy Cornish Grey over Mist Grey. It wears rear wheel spats, and a great deal of chrome and trim has been replaced, while the rest has been buffed to a high shine. The steel wheels have been powder-coated in a matching grey, and each one wears the requisite chrome along with healthy rubber. The window seals are all new, the glass and lights are all excellent and for that final peace of mind, the car has been undersealed. The job has even been warrantied.

While this Jag is indeed a looker, the cabin is where it’s at. The seats are so comfortable and deep you’ll never want to get out, the wood is in excellent original condition with just the right amount of age to them. There’s an original ‘His Master’s Voice’ radio fitted, the big four-spoke steering wheel falls to hand with a pleasing familiarity and the cabin as a whole is just wonderful. Door cards are good, complete with tool compartments, there are wooden tables, a sunroof, quarterlights, twin glove boxes. It’s luxury through and through. Even the boot has been fitted with a tan liner kit to bump up the luxury even more.

This 1959 Jaguar Mk IX is, from bumper to bumper, an exquisite machine. Make no mistake, considerable time, money, passion, enthusiasm and expertise have been poured into this car. This is one you do not want to miss out on. It’s class, it’s luxury, it’s opulence but without pomp or pretension. It’s old school cool, and if you’ve ever wanted a Jaguar Mk IX, this has to be the one. But only if you bid, so go on, get clicking…