Big dimensions, big value

A canny buyer bought this big cat– which is still not as loved as the Mk2 or XJ – for a seriously keen price

CAR 1963 Jaguar MKX SOLD £9288 ORIGINAL ESTIMATE £10,000-12,000, Anglia Car Auctions, 27/28 January

It remains a mystery to many Jaguar saloon lovers as to why the MKX and its 420G near-twin have suffered the market cold shoulder for so long. Perhaps blame should be laid on the famously generous dimensions that prevent it from fitting in many domestic garages, whereas a MKI/MK2 or even a ‘Series’ XJ probably would. There’s a lack of awareness, too – many simply don’t know much about it. But for those who do know, these super-sized Sixties Jaguars are superb value – and of course they’re backed by plenty of good specialist and spares back-up.

Someone else has done all the heavy lifting on this example.

This 1963 example was restored between 1991 and 1999. The vendor had owned it for seven and a half years during which time Coopercraft front brake calipers had been fitted and the steering box re-built. The starter motor solenoid was changed two years ago – which is when the car was last serviced so a check over and some fluid changes might be the order of the day.

Many Mkxs were lost to corrosion during the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s when they were still in their banger phase because repair costs far outstripped their value but this survivor came to King’s Lynn in good order. The all-important bodywork was very straight and smart, the vast flanks showing no signs of damage. The dark green metallic paint was good, too. The big doors lined up well and the panel gaps were even and tight. Chrome was similarly good, the wheels wearing a set of ‘rimbellishers’. Raised-letter registration plates added to the pleasing overall external appearance. Opening the vast doors revealed a pleasingly mellowed – but by no means scruffy – interior. The seats – in Suede Green – showed use but weren’t damaged and the woodwork was in equally good fettle, as were the carpets and Furflex trim. The boot was tidy and trimmed well, too.

Whether you crave a 1960s old-money look or the air of a 1960s London crime lord, the MKX delivers by the bucket load. This example was especially nice without being concours (thereby making potential owners scared to use it) and sensibly estimated – so bidders who overlooked it in favour of other classic Jags really missed out on a fine motor in this instance.