Are you looking for a classic Jaguar? Usually, popular opinion may lead you towards a MK2, but often overlooked is the MK IX. They offer amazing looks, good performance, a massive amount of space, comfort, and everything you need from a classic Jaguar. 

This particular car was given a bare metal restoration in 2011, which is documented with photographs and, since then, it has only covered approximately 4,000 miles. 

This is the main reason for the sale of the car; the vendor simply does not have the time to enjoy it, and another reason is that his local Jaguar specialist who looked after the vehicle has now retired. 

The Jaguar was originally sold by St Hellier Garage, Jersey, on 4th June 1959. It lived on the island for nine years, where it even had a claim to fame by appearing in the hit TV series Bergerac. 

The car was then sold and exported to England, spending the next 40 years around the picturesque Devon and Cornwall area before moving to Eastbourne for four years. 

In 2011 the Jaguar was sent to Cambridgeshire, where a bare metal restoration was undertaken. 

The seats inside the Jaguar are reportedly the originals and are nicely sprung. The leather shows some patina, which adds to the comfort; it’s just like sitting in your favourite armchair. The door cards do look like they have been retrimmed at some point. There are a few scuffs to mention, and you can see where the material has been cut around some of the door furniture. 

Like most Jaguars of this age, or in fact, any car from this era with a wooden dashboard fascia,  it will have more than likely suffered from lacquer cracking at some point. The interior woodwork has been relacquered during the restoration, so it is generally in better condition than you would expect for the age. However, there are still some signs of the new lacquer cracking, particularly on the door tops; some has come off on the driver's door. 

The instruments look to be in good condition with clear faces. The seller mentioned that the rev counter does not work, but the rest of the switchgear is working as it should, and the odometer shows a reading of 68,578 miles. The vendor has indicated that the radio is currently not working. 

The carpets have been replaced at some point, so these are in good condition both in the front and rear. Up above, the headlining has unfortunately seen a visit from a mouse who has annoyingly chewed some of the material. Inside, the boot has also been retrimmed in a tan material, and the spare wheel is present along with the jack.

Restored in 2011 with a full bare metal respray, it gave the Jaguar a new lease of life. 

The MK IX has been finished in two tone grey over silver which looks fantastic. Starting at the front, any stone chips are quite minimal due to the car only covering approximately 4,000 miles since completing the work. 

The chrome bumper shows some signs of pitting and tarnishing and was on the to-do list for the seller should he have kept the car. The lights are all in excellent condition, with no chips or cracks in the lenses. The grille is in good order, with all the bars nice and straight. Finishing the front end is a collection of owner's club plaques. 

Looking at the lengthy flanks of the Mk IX, everything appears to be in good order. The doors look to align as they should with an equal panel gap around the edges. There is some blistering to the bottom of the rear doors, but this hasn't broken through the paintwork. The glass has some light age related marks as you would expect, and the chrome surrounds, whilst in good condition, do have some pitting. This is the same for the door handles and other chrome trim. The window seals to the front and rear screens are in good order with no apparent signs of perishing.

To the curvy rear end of the Jaguar, the boot looks to align as it should and opens with ease from the two handles. There is a small crack around the nearside fuel cap, and just like the rest of the car, there is some tarnishing and pitting to the chrome in keeping with the age of the vehicle. 

The light lenses are free from any splits or cracks. The wheels are in good condition and finished with the original Jaguar hub caps. The seller did mention that the tyres have been on for several years but they do have a good amount of tread remaining. 

During the restoration, which was approximately 4,000 miles ago, the engine's bottom end was given a refurbishment with a reground crankshaft, new bearings, and an oil pump. Another addition was to convert the dynamo to a more modern alternator and fit a 12 volt Odyssey battery. The car starts up as it should, straight away with no untoward noises coming from the engine. 

The seller mentioned that if the vehicle has been standing for a couple of months, there is some blue smoke on the first startup, but this soon clears as the car warms up. When it is restarted, there is nothing there, as was the case when we went to photograph it. Driving the MK IX is reported to be a pleasurable experience, especially with the addition of the electric pump for the power steering giving a more responsive feel. The car also pulls well through the automatic gearbox, with a smooth change as this was also replaced in 2011. Bringing the Jaguar to a stop in a straight line are a set of XJ6 brakes, which have been fitted as a welcome upgrade over the original set-up. The car has also had new rear springs fitted. 

The seller would like to point out that whilst the Jaguar runs and drives as it should, it has been stood for some time and he would recommend that a specialist give it a once over before making any journeys. 

There is an issue with the fuel pump switching from one tank to the other; this is not working as it should but has not been investigated and also a small leak which looks to be coming from the lower radiator hose. 

Restored in 2011 and having only covered 4,000 miles since then, this big cat has led quite a sheltered life in that time, used for the odd show and the JDC Big Cat Tours in Malvern and Snowdonia. The rest of the time it has been in dry storage with the seller's other classics. 

It is time now for someone else to enjoy the Jaguar. Hopefully they'll cherish it as much as the seller, and stretch its legs a little more often.