Lot Ended
Description
From a deceased estate; extremely rare soft top conversion;
extensively restored; ex-DD Classics; displayed at the NEC in 2021
Launched in the Autumn of
1961, the top-of-the-range Mark X was a radical departure for Jaguar, being
technically far more advanced than any of its preceding saloons. Clothed in an
elegant fuselage-styled body, it was also enormous and Jaguar did not build
another car as large for the rest of the century – only the LWB version of the
2003 XJ could match it for size.
Borrowing much of its
technology from the E-Type, the MkX had independent rear suspension (unheard of
in a British saloon at the time) which gave it remarkably nimble handling for
such a big car, not to mention Rolls-Royce-humbling ride quality. Four-wheel
disc brakes and power steering were standard, and there was a choice of either
Moss four-speed manual or Borg Warner automatic transmission.
Initially fitted with the E-Type 3.8 triple carb engine which gave it
a top speed of 120mph, it was also available with a 4.2 unit from October 1964
onwards with an improved Type 8 automatic gearbox and Powr-Lok limited slip
diff.
Aimed mainly at the affluent
American market, the MkX never really took off, despite glowing reviews from the
press, and only 18,519 were sold, just 5,137 with the 4.2 engine, and survivors
are extremely thin on the ground today.
First registered in
February 1965, this rare MkX 4.2 Automatic was supplied new via Bromsgrove
Motors Ltd, according to the Heritage Certificate on file. Adding to the rarity,
FRB 600C has been transformed into a unique Convertible of exceptional quality,
the eye-popping looks enhanced by the crimson hide interior which really
complements the Opalescent Gunmetal paintwork.
Unfortunately, it is not
known who did the conversion or when, but we know from paperwork on file that it
was registered as a Convertible in Austria during the 1980s and 1990s and
appears to have been owned by Jag-Point, a substantial company renting out
luxury classics to well-heeled customers.
On offer here from a deceased
estate, the current owner acquired this MkX from DD Classics of Surrey in 2021 –
for substantially more than the guide price suggested here. A well-known car, it
is featured in several videos online, including being displayed at the 2021
Jaguar Summer Festival and on the Jaguar Heritage stand at the NEC during the
same year.
Maintained by renowned Jaguar specialists CMC of Bridgnorth
during 2021, it has barely been used since as the owner sadly passed away not
long after purchasing the car. It has been dry stored for the last three years
and started occasionally, with the battery being left on trickle
charge.
We have driven the car briefly
and it seems to hold good oil pressure, but due to lack of recent use some
precautionary checks would be advisable before it returns to the road once
more.
As you can see in the photos,
this unique Jaguar is in magnificent condition and will open many doors on the
show circuit to the fortunate new owner. If wafting around in absolute luxury is
your thing, it is definitely worth coming to see and looks fantastic value at
the modest guide price suggested.
Contact - [email protected]