Engine: XK straight 6 3796cc
Fuel system: Twin semi-downdraught SU HD8-type carburettors
Power output: 220bhp @ 5800rpm
Max speed: 125mph
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 8.0 sec
Weight: 1410 Kg

At the beginning of the fifties the necessity for a compact saloon presented itself to Jaguar. There was a large gap in the market between the imposing, luxurious MkIX limousine and the sports cars of the XK series, which Jaguar filled with the introduction of the compact 2.4. This was personally designed by William Lyons (He had a half-built 1:1 scale model standing always near him, mostly at his home to judge it in "natural surroundings”). The end result was typical Jaguar, and as with the large limousines, wood and leather dominated the interior.

In 1959 an improved version of the MK1 was released. The improvements were many, with engine variations of 2.4, 3.4 and 3.8 litres capacity. This was called the Mk2! Our car is in near perfect condition having been recently restored and has all the extras you would wish for in a Mk2. Painted in midnight blue with body coloured wire wheels, this is very much the sort of car East End gangsters would have had in the 60's. Our car has had some work done to the engine which makes it more powerful than standard, this combines perfectly with the all-synchromesh 4-speed + overdrive gearbox and power steering.

Weekday points: 6; Weekend points: 12.