Description

1959 Jaguar MkIX Saloon

Ex-California; LHD; automatic gearbox; recent brake overhaul; four new tyres; Heritage Certificate; impressively sound example of this majestic sporting saloon

As the Heritage Certificate confirms, this imperious Jaguar MkIX Automatic was built in May 1959 and was originally finished in Cream with a red interior. A LHD export model, it was despatched to Jaguar Cars New York early the following month.
Nothing is known of the subsequent history of the car but it has clearly been repainted in a most attractive scheme of black over red at some point, while an old number plate in the boot indicates that it has probably spent the bulk of its life in sunny California, hence the good state of preservation today. Recently imported back to the UK with all duties paid, it now has a V5C which records it as a Historic Vehicle with the registration number 665 XVL.
The vast expanse of bodywork looks commendably straight and rust-free, the paintwork and the external brightwork are very presentable and the underside looks reassuringly sound and original. As is typical with hot climate cars, the red upholstery is Ambla rather than leather and is in decent condition as are the carpets and the headlining. The woodwork is all present and correct, including the rear picnic tables, and would no doubt polish up beautifully with some judicious refurbishment.
Since arriving on these shores we are told that the braking system has been completely overhauled including reconditioned calipers, new pads, discs and pipes. The front suspension has also been rebushed where necessary and greased, while four new tyres have also been fitted, although there are no bills for these jobs. The vendor advises that a few electrical issues will need to be sorted (lights and wipers) but that the car is otherwise mechanically sound.
On arrival at Brightwells it did take a few presses of the starter button to coax it into life, but once warmed up a bit it ran very sweetly indeed and was quite happy to trundle up and down our yard, as can be seen in the video, although we did note some power steering fluid dripping onto the manifold which will obviously need sorting.
Impressively straight and solid, this majestic Jaguar saloon offers all the grace, space and pace that the model is famed for. Being offered here at a very sensible guide price, it should amply reward the fettling still required, especially when you consider that the last (admittedly excellent) MkIX we sold back in 2017 made £41,800. An enthusiastic new owner could no doubt have this one in tip-top order in time for the Spring.
For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com
MODEL HISTORY
Unquestionably one of William Lyons' finest designs, the magnificent Jaguar MkVII was launched in 1951, powered by a less highly-strung version of the legendary XK 3.4 engine that was fitted in the contemporary C-Type racer.
By 1956 the big saloon had morphed into the MkVIII, substantially the same car but now with an extra 20bhp and good for an easy 105mph. In 1958 the final derivative arrived: the MkIX. This used the range-topping 3.8-litre XK engine which had evolved into a 220bhp powerhouse, enough to haul this large saloon car up to a top speed of 117mph.
The MkIX had a body identical to that of its predecessor, although it did have an improved heater and a new badge to distinguish it. This handsome saloon came with power steering, all-round disc brakes and a choice of manual or automatic transmission.
At the time the Mk IX was considered on a par with the contemporary Bentley S-Type, even though it was a third of the price. It was finally superseded by the very different MkX in 1961, marking the end of a distinguished line of separate chassis Jaguar saloons.