1960 Jaguar Mk IX Saloon

Description 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–as original– Cornish Grey paint with cream coves added, light gray leather and carpets and polished walnut facia, interior trim. 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 front compartment maintains its original hidden side door tool compartments with fabulous original tools and the rear compartment has its original folding picnic tables in matching walnut, built into the front seat backs, with the original “Smith’s” clock built in between the two along with a large compartment for paperwork, should the tables be used as writingdesks. All of this is fabulous in polished walnut matching that to the front compartment. The car is accompanied by its Jaguar/Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, original owners manual, original tools in the side door pockets and has a fabulous provenance. It also has its original interior, surrounding irs occupants with wonderful polished walnut facia, door trim and leather, but the carpets and front leather, are in need of replacement. 39,290 miles. $38,000.