Jaguar Mk1 vs Mk2

[mph]

I've been offered a rather nice Mk1 3.4 Jaguar. Unfortunately it's at the other end of the country,I have no previous experience of the Mk 1 and it's a long way to go for a test drive.

I also have chance of a beautifully modified Mk 2 3.8 which I do have experience of.

My thinking is the Mk1 is rarer, more of a "classic" and as a side benefit will be more of an "investment".

The Mk2 will be better to drive.

Any opinions/experience to help with my decision ?

[benjj]

Where in the country is the Mk1? Am sure one of us could have a little look see.

[72twink]

I'd be making the effort to see the Mk1 first, over the years the older cars have grown on me and now I prefer their looks, the scarcity makes finding one to look over more memorable. I can't help on dynamics though having driven neither.

[lowdrag]

I've owned both and preferred the "Jaguar saloon" as it was called far more than the Mk 2. If you are considering flat out driving, theoretically the later car has better handling, but if I explain that I prefer a 3.8 E-type to a V12 and an XK120 to a 150, you'll understand that I find the first of the line purer in form. The 3.4 engine is the gem of the Jaguar range, smooth and in all practical sense as powerful as the later 3.8. It's the thinking man's Jaguar engine. I loved my Mk 1 and of all my cars I regret selling that one the most. Looking at the photo, she is drop-dead gorgeous with those body-colour wheels too. There really isn't a choice, and they are becoming rare and collectable. Go for it.

ETA. I assume manual overdrive. If no overdrive I wouldn't consider it since they are then terribly undergeared and a pain on a journey. And certainly not an auto either.

[mph]

Yes it's an overdrive model. Allegedly 48k from new and last owner for twelve years. Overdrive switch can just be seen on the dash top.



I'm confident the car is in good order as I know the chap who's "brokering" the sale and he's familiar with the car having owned it previously.

Just wish the Mk2 wasn't such a nice car too.....

[SV8Predator]

That's one of the nicest Mk Is I've seen in a long time. Years ago they were unloved and you couldn't give them away.

Time will tell, investment-wise. I think you'll know yourself whether you go for a Mk I or a Mk II.

[mybrainhurts]

I drove my father's Mk2 and 340 extensively, and sat in the back of a Mk1 as it crashed...

I think you need both of them...

[FarmerJim]

Mk 1 for me.

[lowdrag]

Treasure the crystal O/D switch. They are hard to find these days. They are from the Mk VII/VIII/IX range, and when I was at the 50th Mk 1 meeting at Brown's Lane I sold my spare to someone who had looked everywhere for a pittance. Here's a photo of the meeting - and we weren't that numerous:-

[badhuis]

Mk1 with the painted wires, lovely.
If you plan to use it as an everyday car you should try a 420. So much more comfortable.

[badhuis]

Mk1 with the painted wires, lovely.
If you plan to use it as an everyday car you should try a 420. So much more comfortable.

[medieval]

Mk1 most definitely sir - its one of the cars I regret most letting go a 2.4se. and I have had 3.8 mod, 250V8s, 420, S type etc and its the Mk1 I miss the most.

Not as light inside as the later cars and more reminiscent of the older saloon range even though this was the first of the compacts and that narrow rear end is not as stable as the later cars and feels much heavier. Moss box, as always, disappoints.

Body coloured wire wheels on the darker cars are pure pleasure - darn it, thats really made me want one again.

[tonys]

That Mk1 looks lovely in the photos; if I was in the market for a Mk1 or Mk2, I'd certainly either have a look at it, or have someone locally cast their eye over it for me. Years ago, I'd have said Mk2, without any hesitation. Now, the Mk1 has grown on me.

[mph]

I've bought the Mk1 subject to a satisfactory inspection which the owner has agreed with.

I don't foresee any problems as it's already been looked over by a very knowledgeable Jaguar chap.

Unfortunately the owner is on holiday for the next two weeks so I won't get my hands on it until then.

Cue for a picture or two.

[mybrainhurts]

Lubberly, well done...

[Hooli]

Looks wonderful

[mybrainhurts]

Bet you won't get the hang of clean down changes into first....

[mph]

mybrainhurts said:

Bet you won't get the hang of clean down changes into first....

No need, it'll pull away in second

The old Moss box is a bit of a beast but okay if you don't rush it.

[a8hex]

I like the Moss box.
I don't find my XK150 as interesting now that it has a modern style box, so its for sale.
Lets face it we don't tend to drive classics because they're easier than moderns.
We drive them because we enjoy their idiosyncrasies.
That careful engagement of first was part of the charm of the car. I still tend to put manuals into 2nd before ever trying to engage first.

[medieval]

I seem to remember for the moss box it was out of first ,count one,two and then into second

You are a lucky man sir - the car does look in superb order