About Jaguar Mark 1

In the 50s, the Browns Lane plant, owned by Jaguar, deservedly turned out to be one of the most promising and largest in the UK. It was at this time that many automakers began to move from the production of frame cars to more modern analogues with a monocoque body. The use of such a design opened up new and varied opportunities that William Haynes (chief engineer) really liked, who saw his prospects in this. It was he who convinced William Lyons to invest in this business, as the production of cars with such a body was more expensive. Thus, the amazing idea was born to create a completely new car with a small-capacity engine, which would further emphasize the new lightweight chassis and body design. Initially, the project was called Utah (Utah), and it can undoubtedly be called the successor to the Jaguar Mk IV with a 2.5-liter engine, which ceased to be produced in 1949. It is known that several test models with a four-cylinder 2.5-liter engine were assembled, but due to not very good dynamics (as well as possible future marketing and technical problems), and a small difference in cost with a six-cylinder 2.4-liter engine, the second was chosen. In 1956, the company decided to add a more powerful engine to the model, arguing that the 2.4-liter engine was insufficient for the important American market. In October 1956, the first Mark 1 car with a 3.4-liter engine was built. Production of the car ended in August 1959, a few months before the announcement of its successor, the Jaguar Mk 2. A total of 37,398 Jaguar Mk 1 cars were manufactured:

2.4 liters: right-hand drive - 16,250, left-hand drive - 3,742.

3.4 liters: right-hand drive - 8,946, left-hand drive - 8,460.

Jaguar Mark 1 Overview

The Jaguar Mark 1, produced from 1955 to 1959, was Jaguar’s first sedan with unibody construction, offering improved handling and reduced weight. Available with 2.4-liter or 3.4-liter inline-six engines, it combined stylish design, innovative features like optional disc brakes, and a luxurious interior. The Mark 1 set the standard for mid-sized luxury sedans, making it a significant milestone in Jaguar’s history.

Jaguar Mark 1 Technical Specification

Engine:

2.4-Liter:

6-cylinder inline engine.

Bore: 83 mm.

Stroke: 106 mm.

Displacement: 2483 cc.

Power: 112 hp at 5750 rpm.

Twin Solex carburetors.

3.4-Liter:

6-cylinder inline engine with B-Head cylinder head.

Bore: 83 mm.

Stroke: 75.5 mm.

Displacement: 3442 cc.

Power: 210 hp at 5500 rpm.

Twin S.U. H.D.6 carburetors.

Dual exhaust system.

Transmission:

2.4-Liter:

4-speed manual transmission with dry clutch.

Gear ratios: 1st: 4.27, 2nd: 5.84, 3rd: 8.46, 4th: 14.41.

Optional: Borg Warner automatic gearbox.

3.4-Liter:

4-speed manual transmission with improved 10-inch clutch.

Gear ratios: 1st: 4.55, 2nd: 7.01, 3rd: 9.95, 4th: 11.95.

Optional: Borg Warner automatic transmission.

Suspension:

Front: Independent suspension with telescopic dampers and coil springs.

Rear: Semi-elliptic leaf springs with telescopic dampers.

Brakes:

Hydraulic drum brakes by Lockheed:

Diameter: 11 inches.

Optional: Dunlop disc brakes.

Wheels and Tires:

Steel wheels with Dunlop 6.40×15 low-pressure tires.

Optional: Wire wheels (available with disc brakes only).

Spare tire stored in a dedicated compartment.

Dimensions: Length: 4597 mm. Width: 1695 mm. Height: 1454 mm. Wheelbase: 2730 mm.

Interior: Classic trim with leather upholstery and polished wood accents. Central console with controls and instruments.

Fuel System: Fuel tank capacity: 12 gallons. Electric S.U. fuel pump.

Jaguar Mark 1 Models

2.4-Liter

3.4-Liter

Jaguar Mark 1 Photogallery