[ Owning a MKI]
Arnoud van Leeuwen, London ‘My father and I have had a wonderful time sharing our classic car hobby over the years. One marque we always agree on is Jaguar, for that perfect balance between luxury and a sporting nature. We have owned E-types, an XK120, a Mk2 and XJ saloons. The MKI is the pick of the litter. It is Jaguar’s advertising line embodied: “Grace, Space and Pace”. It offers XK120 performance without the cramped ergonomics. Driving to the studio we are reminded how good it is – it cruises comfortably in overdrive at 80mph, and is far from shy off the line when contending with modern traffic. Only the slow gear changes required by the Moss gearbox remind you of the car’s age.
‘ The MKI is the most beautiful saloon ever designed. With Jaguars, the first incarnation is often the best. We found this car in Holland with a decent body but in a sorry mechanical state. The wonderful thing about Jaguars from the Fifties and Sixties is the parts-sharing between models – there are very few parts that could not be ordered overnight from suppliers like SNG Barratt or available from specialists like Winspeed Motorsport. The competitive nature of the classic Jaguar world means maintenance and ongoing running costs are relatively low – I would budget £250-500 per year.’
Guy Vinall, Belper, Derbyshire ‘I’ve owned my MKI for over four years, during which time I’ve driven over 24,000 miles. It was extensively restored by the previous owner and when I bought it was pretty much as originally delivered – a 1959 3.4 with disc brakes, wire wheels and rare factory sunroof. As it had been hardly used, I needed to modify it to safely complete tours all over the world. Upgrades included an alternator, an electric fan, power steering, upgraded brakes, LED lights, an uprated radiator, 5-speed T5 gearbox, high-spec tyres, electronic ignition and a good quality battery. Driving through Death Valley put paid to the original leatherwork, which has now been replaced. I estimate service and running repairs come to £1500 per annum.
‘It still brings a smile to my face – it’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The straight-six burbles at idle then growls as you go up the gearbox with some gusto, all while you are safely cocooned in leather and wooden luxury. Such a capable car in all areas. Only William Lyons could have delivered such firstgeneration beauty in a way that ticks so many boxes.’
Richard Dalton, Middlesex ‘I bought my MKI in 1991 from Jaguar historian and FIA official Jim Lowry, who had raced it in a pre-1968 series. He’d bought it from South Africa as a 2.4 and put in a 3.4 engine and Mk2 axle. It’s got an E-type gold-top cylinder head and twin 2in SUS, and it’s fast. I love driving it – it makes me smile every time. In fact, I like everything about it. I have six classics, including a Mk2 and a C-type replica, but this is the only one my sons will fight over when I’m gone! It’s special – people like talking about it everywhere I go. I see Jim from time to time and always thank him for selling it to me.
‘I did the Monte Challenge with it in 1994 with Robert Ellis on really bad snow. We were one of only two cars that never put chains on – it just kept going and we finished 25th overall in my first rally. We won a Gold medal on the London-lisbon, and drove on loads of European circuits. A while ago I was tempted to buy a very original MKI on crossplies, but one drive down a damp road put me off – though maybe it would’ve been better with new crossplies.’