Lot details
Registration No: 970 XUF
Chassis No: 771830BW
Mot Expiry: May 2013

The roots of the luxuriously equipped and potent MKIX Jaguar lay in the MKVII that had been launched at the 1950 London Motorshow. The MKVIII of 1956 brought added opulence to the interior and a few detail changes to the outward appearance (most noticeably the move to a curved single-piece windscreen), while the MKIX delivered a 3.8-litre 220bhp version of Jaguar's all-conquering DOHC XK engine, servo-assisted disc brakes all-round and recirculating ball steering. Motor magazine's test of an automatic example returned a 0-60mph time of 11.3 seconds and top speed of 114.4mph - no mean figures for a 16ft-plus Saloon weighing in at 4,000 lbs. Like the MKVIII, the newcomer featured a chrome strip below the waistline, which lent the model to duo-tone paintwork.

The imposing right-hand drive MKIX on offer is finished in Dark Grey over Silver complemented by Red leather upholstery. According to a hand written letter in the history file, it appears to have been the subject of a "serious restoration" beginning in the late 1980s but, due to the then owner's death in the late 1990s, was not completed until passing into the hands of a later keeper. Imported from Jersey, it has recently been treated to a new automatic gearbox, alternator conversion and XJ6 brakes plus a reground crankshaft and new bearings and oil pump for its 3.8-litre engine. The Big Cat has also been repsrayed and had some of its interior woodwork relacquered. Described by the vendor as "driving superbly" and being "very nice but not concours", `970 XUF' comes complete with a degree of history and an MOT valid until May 2013.