Highlights

Desirable gunmetal grey metallic over red interior
Much-travelled Mk1 originally delivered to Nigeria
Current keeper since 2012 who bought it in Australia
Bare metal respray in 2021
Maintained by a specialist Jaguar mechanic in London
Garaged during winter months since arriving in the UK

The Appeal

As car show ‘boomer boards’ confirm, much of the joy of a classic is the story it tells. We suspect that in the pub bragging stakes, this handsome 1956 Mk1 would command the room. It was first delivered to Nigeria, before subsequently appearing in Mildura, on the banks of the Murray River in Australia’s Outback.

The vendor acquired it there in 2012, subsequently moved it to the UK in 2015, and used it sparingly in the summer, with dry storage during the winter. Since buying it, he has funded a good quality bare metal respray in gunmetal grey metallic, one of the most popular colours for these cars. It works well with the car’s red interior. Inside and out, the car is in good order, with the interior offering that light edge of patina that adds character to a car of this age.

It left the factory with the 2.4L straight six engine, but is now fitted with a 3.4L motor, the result of work by the previous keeper. It is also fitted with an alternator and has been converted to negative earth. Since arriving in London, the vendor has entrusted it to a well-respected classic Jaguar specialist for servicing and maintenance. We are told that it runs and drives well and will appeal to an enthusiast.

The Mk1 changed Jaguar’s fortunes and offers the purest vision of Lyons’ plan for a small, compact executive express. With its interesting history, improved specification and attractive colour and condition, this example definitely warrants closer attention.

The vendor says:

“If you live somewhere you need to drive (unlike London) it will serve you perfectly as a daily drive or a weekender to show off depending on your style. Endeavour Morse would be proud.”

Key Information

Mileage: 77,082 miles indicated
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: exempt
Technical specs: 3.4-litre six-cylinder petrol (originally 2.4-litre), four-speed ‘Moss’ manual gearbox
Paperwork:JDHT certificate, V5C, recorded by DVLA as 2,400cc which buyer may wish to update, VIN number S904446

The Detail

UK registered car from March 2015 with V5C
Repainted in gunmetal grey with colour change recorded by DVLA in March 2022
Reported to have been repainted from bare metal by a classic car specialist
Paintwork continues to present very well with few signs of age or use
Bodywork also in good order with flush door fit and well kept sills
Underside as shown in photos with evidence of undersealing as shown
Converted to 3.4-litre (engine no. KF5785-8, cylinder head BG9738-8) by a previous owner; retains 2.4 badge
Wider rear axle fitted in place of the original
Converted to negative earth electrical system
Distributor fitted in place of original generator; original generator is included if desired
Red interior with matching seats and carpets in good order with light aging
Extensive wood veneers in good order as shown including dashboard and doors
Vendor describes the interior as comfortable with a natural patina
Factory four spoke steering wheel with age to note to rim
Steel wheels with chrome hub caps and aged steel spare included
Fitted with mix of tyres
Large box in boot
Some light tarnish to note to exterior chrome parts as shown
Fitted with auxiliary driving lights below headlights

BEFORE YOU BUY

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