Highlights
- Older restoration in Old English White matched with red interior
- Converted to 3.4L XK engine with full synchromesh overdrive gearbox
- Only four registered keepers, current ownership since 2017
- Rare and very usable example of Jaguar’s sports saloon
- Upgraded to alternator, high-torque starter, disc brakes and Kenwood fan
- Recent new coil, ignition and distributor
The Appeal
The Mk1 was a major departure from Jaguar’s big saloons and it transformed the motoring landscape. Doctors, solicitors and, notably, gangsters and getaway drivers got the chance to experience what is widely regarded as one of the earliest and best sports saloons of the post-war era.
This Old English White ‘57 began life as a 2.4L RHD car but has been extensively upgraded by a previous keeper to improve its performance and usability. It now features a 3.4L XK engine mated to a full-synchromesh four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive. Other improvements include a high-torque starter, alternator, Kenwood fan and disc brakes all round. Recent work includes a new coil, ignition and distributor.
The vendor acquired the car in 2017, shortly after it received a comprehensive bodywork restoration. The work included a bare metal respray in white, from the original grey. It is a colour that works well with the red interior.
This is a very usable car that is considerably rarer than its later, more populous successor.
The vendor says:
“The original sports saloon is now much rarer than the Mk 2 that followed it. Has been stored for 2 yrs, but has always run reliably and is now back on the road and just requires finishing off to be a great car.”
Key Information
- Mileage: 48,602 miles (unverified)
- Country of registration: United Kingdom
- Technical inspection status: MOT-exempt
- Technical specs: 3.4-litre inline-six petrol, synchromesh four-speed manual with overdrive
- Paperwork: V5C, some spares, restoration photos, 2023 invoices
The Detail
- Engine upgraded to 3.4-litre XK straight-six by a previous owner
- Fitted with a rebuilt later all-synchro gearbox with overdrive
- High-torque starter and alternator fitted with original positive earth electrics
- Kenwood fan fitted
- Disc brakes all round
- New coil and distributor with electronic ignition fitted
- Lower half taken to bare metal and repainted, with bodywork restored as necessary
- Repainted in Old English White in 2013 from original grey
- Some light marks to note to bodywork in photos
- Chrome wire wheels in good order with matching spare wheel showing some age
- Vendor states the body is in very good condition with no oil leaks from the underside
- Original chromework with some corrosion, mostly on the door handles
- Red interior with matching seats and carpets presenting well
- Some light age to note to driver’s seat
- Correct Mk1 dashboard in good order with well kept veneers throughout cabin
- The vendor reports interior wood and seats are in good condition
- Small hole in the rear of the headlining
- Runs and drives with a slight rattle from the pilot/spigot bush when warm we are told
- Slight inlet air leak present
- Stored for two years but reported to have always run reliably
- Now back on the road and described as requiring finishing off
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