Pre-Auction Viewings
The Jaguar Mk. IX was produced between 1959 and 1961 and replaced the previous Mk. VIII. Standard transmission was a four-speed manual system; options included overdrive, but most cars were built with a Borg-Warner three-speed automatic gearbox. Internally, an enlarged-bore 3.8 litre, 220bhp DOHC straight-six replaced the previous 3.4 litre unit with two SU carburettors were fitted. Four-wheel servo-assisted Dunlop disc brakes and recirculating ball power steering was now standard equipment. The torsion bar independent front suspension and leaf-sprung rear live axle were retained from the Mk. VIII. The body was generally similar to its predecessor, but the sunshine roof became a standard fitting for the UK market. The interior was in the same luxurious mode with extensive use of leather, walnut wood trim and deep pile carpet. The Mk. IX's power and good brakes for a vehicle of that era, together with its undoubtedly impressive aesthetic appearance, makes it quite a common choice for the classic car market.
This early Jaguar Mk. IX Saloon has had three owners from new, the current owner purchased it in 2002. The first owner, Miss N B Gray, was a senior Police officer base in Birmingham who had a chauffeur drive her around. Supplied in June 1959 it has the Borg-Warner automatic gearbox fitted which allowed a front bench seat to be fitted. This matching numbers car was professionally restored in 1997 to the original specification of Indigo Blue over light blue with light blue leather interior and comes with the correct, complete toolkits fitted in both front doors. It is supplied with a V5C registration document, a heritage certificate, the original ‘first series’ handbook and two large files the first containing old registration documents, MoT’s and invoices. The second, a detailed history by the current owner while in his ownership with invoices and notes of works carried out. This Mk. IX emphasises Sir Williams Lyon’s theme of ‘Grace, Space and Pace’ with its flowing lines and extensive amount of chrome.
