Jaguar MKI
TIPPED BY: JAMES MITCHELL
‘The Mk2 has always had the cachet,’ says James, ‘But I think that might be simply down to engine size. The 3.8-litre manual overdrive Mk2 was seen as the ultimate sports saloon of its day. But what’s the power difference between a 3.8 and a 3.4? Not huge, and a 3.4 is just as tuneable and pretty quick, even as standard… it’s the same engine that was in the XK140, after all.’
James’s objections to the cult of the Mk2 are also stylistic. ‘Jaguar had to widen the cabin and broaden the glass for the American market, but I certainly prefer the well thought-out, well loved design of the MKI. It’s the original shape and it’s pure.’ Perhaps one reason why the Mki’s values have traditionally lagged behind is the large number of 2.4-litre examples originally sold when the model brought
Jaguar motoring within reach of less affluent buyers. These cars struggled to hit 100mph, dawdled to 60mph in 14.5 seconds and still got through four-star at 18mpg. Even now, they are priced in a different bracket.
‘For a ropey 2.4, prices are still down at £5k-£10k, but a desirable MKI with the potential to appreciate is all about specification. A home-market 3.4 manual example is the one to look for, and with all-round disc brakes, spotlights and body-colour wire wheels, that could be £45k. Then you fix the car’s two big shortcomings – steering and body roll – by fitting a quick rack, Koni dampers and a beefier front anti-roll bar. Personally, I’d go further and uprate the engine with a higher compression ratio, bigger carbs and performance camshafts – maybe even a close-ratio gearbox.’
Maybe TV’S Endeavour is doing great things for the MKI, maybe it’s the effect of seeing them being raced in the St Mary’s Trophy at Goodwood or maybe it’s the cachet of the Mike Hawthorn replicas we’re seeing, but it could well be that the stars are aligning, and it’s time for the dowdy sister to emerge from the shadows.