Launched in 1955 the MK1 extended Jaguar’s domination of the high-performance car market in Britain, slotting neatly into the Coventry firm’s range alongside the big MKVIII saloon and the XK140 sports car. The medium size newcomer broke new ground for Jaguar, being its first model to employ unitary construction of the chassis/body

Jaguar’s engineers were understandably cautious in their approach, making the bodyshell stronger that it actually needed to be and employing rubber mountings just about everywhere to insulate occupants from vibration and noise. The MK1 was released with a new, short stroke, 2.4 litre version of the proven XK six-cylinder engine. This car produced 190bhp and was capable of a top speed of 120mph and could reach 60mph in nine seconds, though if used to the full this greatly improved performance severely taxed the drum brakes. All round disc brakes were announced as an option. The MK1 was progressively updated throughout its life before it was relaunched with some minor changes as the MK2 in October 1959.

The MK1 3.4 litre competed successfully in many rallies and races with notable drives such as Stirling Moss, Mike Hawthorn, Tommy Sopwith, Jack Sears and Roy Salvadori under the watchful eye of John Coombs.

The Jaguar MK1 3.8 ‘Ultimate Fast Road Specification’ offered here at Autostorico is finished in Black with Red leather interior. Chassis: S 993026 DN was ordered on 31st August 1959 by Richard Shideler from Charles Hornburg Motor Cars, Beverley Hills, California, USA. The order form indicated that Mr Shideler opted for a Factory collection from Coventry in the UK as he planned to tour Europe with the car prior to shipping the car back to the USA. Jaguar records show that a 3781cc engine was fitted into this car during production along with optional wire wheels. Upon the cars return to the USA Mr Shideler quickly realised that driving a Black car in the Californian sun was unbearable and records show that he had it painted in Old English White.

The car remained in the USA passing to its second owner, until it was purchased by its current owner a well-known historic Jaguar racing driver in 2014. He had dreamt of owning the ‘ultimate’ Jaguar MK1. He undertook a painstaking, no expense sparred restoration. Works included removing the engine, gearbox and all ancillaries ready for a bare metal respray back into its original Black finish. The engine was then fully rebuilt to fast road specification including fitting D-Type cams, twin 2” carburettors, electronic ignition by marque specialist Roxwell Racing. Fitted with a four-speed full close ratio synchro gearbox with overdrive,130mph on his GPS system was clocked whilst travelling through Europe. Other notable works include; full re-wire, brake overhaul, fitting fully adjustable shocks, bespoke performance stainless steel exhaust system, re-trimming including fitting front period bucket seats and fitting a period Derrington steering wheel.

Supplied with an extensive history file including a heritage certificate, numerous invoices including period service bills, original order form, original tool kit, spare wheel and owner’s manuals.

This stunning car offers the purchaser an opportunity to own a unique example of a true British classic, which will certainly appreciate further over time.

Viewing strictly by appointment only.