1957 Jaguar MK I 2.4 Litre

Lot details
Registration No: 271 UYM
Chassis No: S907056
Mot Expiry: Jan 2020

- Supplied new to Switzerland but in right-hand drive

- Believed to have covered just 31,300 miles from new having spent much of its life in dry storage

- Delightful and highly original Red leather upholstery

- Running sweetly thanks to a new radiator, stainless steel exhaust, fuel pump, dampers and tyres etc

Introduced at the October 1955 Earl's Court Motor Show, the MKI 2.4 litre was intended to broaden Jaguar's appeal beyond the volatile luxury and sportscar sectors. Notable as the Coventry manufacturer's first monocoque design, it featured independent front suspension, a `live' rear axle and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes (though, discs soon became optional). Powered by a 2483cc DOHC straight-six engine allied to either four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission, the compact sports saloon boasted class-leading 100mph performance. Remaining in production until 1959, some 19,992 MKI 2.4s are thought to have left the Browns Lane factory.

According to its accompanying Jaguar Trust Heritage Certificate, chassis S907056 was built to right-hand drive specification on 30th April 1957 complete with twin fog lamps, half spats over the rear wheels and a kilometres per hour speedometer. Finished in Mist Grey with Red leather upholstery, the Jaguar was supplied new to Monsieur Douer by Garage La Claparede of Geneva. Thought to have changed hands just twice more whilst in Switzerland, the MKI spent an incredible fifty years or so in dry storage following a minor accident. Still sporting a crumpled offside front wing when repatriated to the UK during 2015, chassis S907056 was subsequently stripped to bare metal and found to be incredibly sound and nigh on corrosion free. Doubtless preserved by its long-term hibernation, the Jaguar boasts one of the best and most original monocoque bodyshells that we have encountered. Mechanical recommissioning encompassed a thorough service, brake system overhaul and replacement of the radiator, exhaust, fuel pump, shock absorbers, tyres and various steering joints. The odometer reading of 50,078km (c.31,300 miles) is highly credible especially in the context of the wear to the pedal rubbers and substantially original upholstery. The factory-fitted 2.4 litre engine and four-speed manual gearbox feel taut too. Offered for sale with a MOT certificate valid until December 2019, bare metal repaint photos, sundry invoices and Swiss / import documentation.