Prior to the Mark 1 and its Mark 2 evolution, Jaguar had only offered two models: a sports car and a large sedan. Thus, the 1955 arrival of the compact 2.4 liter Mark 1 sedan represented an altogether new type of Jaguar. Although it was smaller, it was still very much a Jaguar, offering wood, leather, performance, and a sophisticated technical specification. The latter owed much to the sports cars which Jaguar raced widely at the same time, including at Le Mans, which the company won five times in the 1950s. The dual overhead cam XK engine was the most obvious of these shared components. It powered the Mark 1, initially in 2.4 liter form, and optionally from 1957, 3.4 liter form. Also optionally available starting in 1957 were disc brakes, making it one of the very first production cars so equipped. This combination transformed the Mark 1 into a genuinely high-performance machine and it excelled in motorsport, both touring car and rally events. This capability makes it arguably the world’s first sport sedan.
Besides its ability to go and stop well, the Mark 1 exceled in other respects. As a newer design, it was more technically advanced than even the company’s sports cars, being Jaguar’s first unitary construction car and employing coil spring rather than torsion bar front suspension. And in typical Jaguar fashion, the car was offered at an almost unfathomably low price, around £1500. As a result, it was extremely compelling, and its appeal was further enhanced in 1959 when the Mark 1 gave way to the Mark 2.
The Mark 2 offered many improvements, ranging from a substantially larger greenhouse area (18% more) to improved suspension and a new dashboard. Particularly exciting was the addition of a new top of the line engine to match that introduced around the same time in the XK150: the 3.8. Coupled with the 4-speed overdrive manual, this created the ultimate spec for the Mark 2, combining the biggest engine Jaguar then offered with a broad set of gear ratios that provided both acceleration and high-speed cruising ability.
This particular example is a black plate California car in the most desirable form of the Mark 2: 3.8 liter manual overdrive. It retains its matching numbers engine, both cylinder head and block and has been restored to high standards with some thoughtful functional upgrades including power assisted rack and pinion steering conversion and aluminum radiator. The original air cleaner system has been removed but is included with the car.
During the restoration, the paintwork was applied to high standards and the body is straight with good panel fit throughout. There is some corrosion on the left rear door visible in the door jamb, but no other visible corrosion noted. The left rear exterior door handle does not function although the interior release functions normally. The brightwork is in very good condition, showing light aging in the form of swirls and surface scratches. The lights, lenses, glass, and wheels are excellent.
The interior was restored to similarly high standards with beautiful woodwork, new leather, and carpets. The instruments and switchgear are in excellent shape and the car is fitted with a period radio. The engine compartment presents nicely and is generally clean and detailed to nice driver standards. The trunk is in similar condition, and the sheetmetal under the upholstery has not been renewed and has a few chips and some aging but excellent integrity and gives a few into the car’s excellent structural condition prior to restoration. The correct tool box with tools is present in the spare tire well, as are the brace jack and handle to operate it.
The undercarriage is unrestored and shows normal aging and soiling but is in excellent structural condition. A stainless steel exhaust system is installed and the car received a new battery and an oil change in June 2025.
The car runs and drives very well. It starts easily and carburates well. The power rack and pinion steering is a significant upgrade and works well with good precision and light effort. The clutch takes up in a progressive manner and the gearbox works as it should, with good synchromesh and shift action. The brakes are effective and the suspension is tight.
This is an excellent example of the Jaguar Mark 2. A longtime California car in the highest performance version offered, this car is an excellent driver example, structurally, cosmetically and mechanically. It is also matching numbers and a pleasure to drive.
