THE KNOWLEDGE

TIMELINE

1950 Oct MKVII launched at Earls Court

1953 Feb Borg-warner auto fitted to all cars for US market, with bench front seat

1954 Jan Laycock overdrive option

1954 Oct 190bhp MKVIIM, with closer gears, horn grilles, flashing indicators, reshaped bumpers, stiffer suspension, Dunlopillo seats; options include high-compression ‘Le Mans’ head, 2in SU carbs, higher-ratio steering

1956 Oct MKVIII launched: new grille, onepiece ’screen, two-tone paint, auto option worldwide, HD6 carbs, big-valve head, twin exhausts, upgraded interior

1958 Jul Optional power steering

1958 Oct MKIX launched: 3.8-litre, disc brakes, power steering, improved heater

1961Sep Last MKIX built

FACTFILE

Sold/number built 1950-’61/30,190 (MKVII), 6332 (MKVIII), 10,005 (MKIX)

Construction steel chassis, steel body

Engine iron-block, alloy-head, dohc 3442/3781cc ‘six,’ with twin SU carburettors

Max power 160bhp @ 5200rpm to 220bhp @ 5500rpm Max torque 195lb ft @ 2500rpm to 240lb ft @ 3000rpm Transmission fourspeed manual or three-speed auto, RWD

Suspension: front double wishbones, torsion bars, anti-roll bar rear live axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs, telescopic dampers f/r (leverarm to Aug 1953) Steering Burman worm and nut (with power assistance on MKIX)

Brakes drums, with servo (discs on MKIX) Length 16ft 41/2 in (4990mm) Width 6ft 11/2 in (1867mm) Height 5ft 2in (1575mm)

Wheelbase 10ft (3050mm)

Weight 3864-4157lb (1756-1889kg)

0-60mph 14.1-11.3 secs

Top speed 101-114mph Mpg 14-22

Price new £1829-1897 (1958)

CLUBS

Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club

01179 698186; jec.org.uk

Jaguar Drivers’ Club

01582 419332; jaguardriver.co.uk

SPECIALISTS

SNG Barratt sngbarratt.com Worcester Classic Spares worcesterclassicspares.com Auto Classico autoclassico.co.uk David Marks Garages davidmarksgarages.co.uk

Hardy Engineering hardyengineering.co.uk

Coventry Auto Components coventryautocomponents.co.uk

Twyford Moors Classic Cars jagxk.com

Graham Whitehouse Autos gwautos.com

PK Veneers pkveneering.co.uk