"In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Williams Lyons, Chairman of Jaguar Cars Ltd. and Bill Heynes, Jaguar's Chief Engineer and designer of the iconic Jaguar XK power unit, were working on the idea of a compact, unitary constructed saloon to be powered by a short-stroke version of the six-cylinder engine. William Lyons, once again, hit the market with the right product at the right price, the new car being able to be purchased for under £1,300 including tax. The interior was of similar design to the contemporary Jaguar saloons and sports cars, with most of the dials and switches being located on the central dashboard between the driver and passenger.
This very interesting example of this iconic British sports car was imported from the USA in 1988 and was converted to fast road specification in 2011, by The Lenham Motor Company. This work included the fitment of a rebuilt 4.2 litre Jaguar XJ engine (original was 3.4) fed through twin SU two inch carburettors, fast road cams, electronic ignition, louvre cut-outs to the bonnet, alloy radiator and side exiting twin sports exhaust. The rear axle was changed to a later Mk. II unit fitted to a Mk. II manual/overdrive gearbox. The steering has been upgraded with a steering rack powered by a later hydraulic power steering unit and uprated front suspension with Coopercraft front brake calipers. Some cosmetic work was also undertaken; the interior was retrimmed in green leather, a new headlining was fitted and all the woodwork refinished. The car was then repainted in its original colour of British Racing Green and sits on black painted wire wheels which look fantastic. The previous owner purchased the car from The Lenham Motor Company in 2012 and has only used it sparingly. It remains in great condition throughout and has just received a full service and tune up carried out by a classic car specialist. The car is supplied with the original build sheet plus details of the recent work undertaken. Resembling the infamous car driven by 1950’s racing driver Mike Hawthorn, this is a well presented car that has a really purposeful look coupled with a great driving experience.
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