Coys Auction - Fine Motor Cars
Blenheim Palace,
Woodstock,
Oxfordshire OX20 1PX

Saturday 5th July 2008 at 14.30

It is often forgotten that Jaguar''s venerable XK engine was originally designed for the Mk VII saloon, although of course it first appeared in the sensational 1948 XK120. Yet despite the five seater saloon''s considerable extra weight, the XK''s 3,442cc and 160bhp could still propel the Mk VII to over 100mph and 0-60mph in 13.7 seconds when launched in 1950. Add excellent handling belying its size, via wishbone/coil springs at the front and a live rear axle, and good drum brakes, and the Mk VII represented one of the ultimate sports saloons of the Fifties.

For 1955 the Mk VII was superceded by the Mk VIIM, the only differences being an engine output of 180bhp and the options of overdrive and automatic transmission. Three years later the Mk VIIM was replaced by the 210bhp Mk VIII, distinguishable by duo-tone paintwork