2021-06-14 12:37:28 | pauls writes:

Car at auction 6/21

noble-auctions.com/interclassics-maastricht-'21-online-auction/1959-jaguar-mk1-3.4-mod

Auction description:

InterClassics Maastricht '21 online auction

ESTIMATE: 22.000 - 26.000 EUR

Make: Jaguar

Model: MK1 3.4 MOD

Trim: Saloon

Color: White

Year: 1959

First Registration: 1960

Fuel: Petrol

Engine: 3442 CC

Power: KWH

Mileage: 68362

Chassis Number: S992400DN

GENERAL

Presented here is an original 1959 Jaguar MK1 in a 3.4-litre manual overdrive configuration, the most sought-after specification.

The MK1 was Jaguar’s first small sports saloon and monocoque construction.

One of the fastest saloon cars of its time, the MK1 became legendary after Formula 1 word Champion choose to drive an MK1 3.4 Jaguar as his daily transport.

He would later lose his life while racing his MK1 against a 300SL gullwing on public roads, but that is another story.

This particular example is in excellent mechanical condition and was brought to Europe from sunny California.

A good driver’s quality car that can be used as-is, with room for future cosmetical improvements.

INTERIOR

The interior has many original elements.

The factory steering wheel is replaced by a fine-looking aluminium and wood item, emphasizing the sporting nature of this saloon car.

All four door panels are still wearing the original vinyl.

Known for cracking and splitting, the armrests have been retrimmed sometime in the past.

The seats have been reupholstered sometime in the past and could pass for factory leather seats to the untrained eye.

The leather is supple, and the seats offer good support.

There are minor imperfections in the trim, but nothing that distracts from the interior’s appeal.

The woodwork is in excellent original condition and has a lovely lustre.

There is no veneer damage, and only barely noticeable varnish peeling in certain corners.

The headliner has been renewed recently, in the correct grey wool material.

The carpets are recent and in excellent shape.

The gear knob is not original, and the rubber gaiter around the gear lever doesn’t fit properly in the gearbox cover.

The door seals that are present are supple and in good shape.

However, every door is missing at least one part of the door seal.

The instruments and switchgear are all of the correct specifications and are in working order.

The tachometer reads 68362 Miles.

ENGINE & GEARBOX

The engine is the original matching numbers 3.4 unit the car left the factory with.

It is fed through its original HD6 carburettors.

The engine starts on the button and pulls strongly.

There are no major leaks, only what we would call

The cooling system of the car was recently overhauled, and new coolant hoses were also fitted.

The bonnet appears to be wearing the factory undercoating.

The metal of the bonnet is solid.

Both the gearbox and overdrive are in good working condition.

UNDERCARRIAGE & MECHANICALS

Brakes, suspension and bushes have all recently been serviced and replaced where necessary.

New ball joint, rebuilt brake callipers, suspension frame bushes and wishbone bushed were fitted as a part of the suspension overhaul.

Although the floors of the car are solid, the 4 jacking points are corroded and should be replaced. This is an easy repair and a very common rust-prone area on the MK1/2 jaguars, and probably only a handful of cars still have their original solid jacking points.

The exhaust is non-original, and a hole has rusted through the rear valance where the exhaust exits.

Despite this, the condition of the bodyshell is actually rather sound overall.

NUMBERS

The original data plate confirms that this car is a genuine 3.4 Manual car with an overdrive.

The chassis number on the data plate matches with the chassis number stamped in the body above the radiator.

Both engine block and cylinder head are matching to each other, and the data plate.

The number on the body tag behind the battery corresponds with the original body number on the data plate.

BODY & EXTERIOR

The paintwork on the MK1 can best be described as an older driver’s quality repaint.

The bodywork is very straight and panel gaps are excellent throughout.

The chrome and brightwork on the car are in original condition.

It is still showing nicely for its age, but comes with the inevitable blemishes, wear and patina.

All the glass is original with exception of the windshield.

The rear screen and windshield have received new seals recently.

The paintwork shows minor scratches and age-related defects.

There is some rust showing above the boot lid button.

The doors also show signs of corrosion from the inside and probably require attention in the future to stop the corrosion from spreading further.

PAPER TRAIL

The MK1 comes with an American title, and an official document proving that all EU import duties are paid. The Californian plates still accompany the car.

An original (not a reprint!) owners handbook is also included.

A letter from the person who brought the car from the USA to Europe is included.

Apparently, the car was bought in the USA by a Jaguar enthusiast who was able to acquire the car following the passing of the previous longtime owner.

Documents from de deceased’s estate that confirm the story are also included.

The current found this sheet of newspaper inside the sun visors when replacing the wool cloth on them. Dated December 1958, this is very definitely the newspaper that the factory stuffed the sun visor with. Anecdotical, but good fun.