1960 Jaguar Mk IX Saloon

1960 JAGUAR MARK IX. #793399BW.

(Stock #4345.) Following World War II, Jaguar built some fabulous luxury saloons. The MK IV was first to be built and shared most of its mechanical and physical engineering with pre-war cars, since, as in America, all British engineering efforts were concentrated on the war effort for 5 years. The MK V followed– a bit modernized but still basically a pre-war design powered by a basically pre-war engine. There was no MK VI since that designation had already been spoken for by Bentley. The MK VII was introduced in 1951 and was a completely new car. Powered by the fabulous twin overhead cam, twin carburetor engine designed for Jaguar’s racing team, and fitted into the XK-120 sports car, it was a large sport/luxury sedan with a beautiful design of long flowing lines behind a magnificent chrome grill. Following the MK VII was the MK VIII and then the MK IX, introduced in October of 1958 and built through 1961––both basically the same car as the MK VII, but with comfort, performance and  luxury upgrades. The MK IX was known as being Queen Elizabeth’s preferred mode of transportation during her 1960’s Commonwealth tours and was the official vehicle for British Prime Ministers during its production. Performance from the 220 horsepower engine and 3-speed automatic transmission was impressive for its time–a top speed of 116 mph and a 0-60 mph acceleration time of under 9 seconds with stopping strength from the MK IX’s newly-introduced power disc brakes being greatly enhanced. Power steering was a welcome addition along with the new power disc brakes.  A local couple purchased this gorgeous and amazingly well-preserved car 30 years ago. As avid collectors of wooden boats, large and small, sail and power, they felt this to be a perfect automotive companion for them. They acquired the car from its original owner in Pennsylvania just after New Year's Day in 1995. With just 26,852 miles, it still maintained its beautiful original Dove Gray paint, light gray leather and carpets and polished walnut facia, interior trim and rear compartment folding picnic trays. The car’s new family cherished the car for three decades, treating it with the same care and respect with which they treated their historic boats. They opted to select a 2-tone color scheme by using Olde English White below the side trim line–a color scheme originally offered on the MK IX–and the result is magnificent. The carpets and headliner have had moth damage and should be replaced. This is a car which may be driven, shown, or both. The MK IX offers classic styling with modern accessories such as power steering and brakes along with luxury features such as a large sliding sunroof and folding walnut picnic trays to the rear compartment. Ours is an amazing “time-warp” example. 39,048 miles. $47,000.