Chev-Powered Brit: 1963 Jaguar Mark X Saloon

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Hiding in this garage is a British classic with a sense of presence. This 1963 Jaguar Mark X Saloon was recently laid low by a minor mechanical issue, but addressing the problem should be straightforward. The dry location and garage-kept history have left it rock-solid. The engine bay houses a Chevrolet small-block, bringing together British charm with a local twist. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Bryan C, who describes it as a “cool old Jag.” I can’t help but agree.

Jaguar introduced the Mark X in 1961, with its front-end styling marking the first appearance of a distinctive look that would serve the company faithfully for over half a century. The company also departed from the existing body-on-frame production techniques, adopting a unibody approach with its latest model. That makes our feature car’s history vitally important for potential buyers. It has spent its life in a dry location and has always been garage-kept. That leaves it rust-free and rock-solid, meaning the Jag is structurally sound. The Yellow paint holds a pleasant shine, but not a mirror glow as seen on many classics. However, it would be interesting to take to the exterior with a high-quality polish to see if that improves its presentation. The trim is acceptable for a survivor-grade classic, and the glass is free from defects. The seller indicates they removed much of the weatherstripping due to severe deterioration. That means the new owner must source and install replacements to keep dust and moisture at bay. These items are readily available, and addressing this issue won’t break the bank.

The Mark X’s interior is typical Jaguar fare, with acres of timber and leather to provide a luxurious motoring experience. The seller’s photos are limited, but they paint a generally positive impression. The timber veneer finish appears to exhibit some deterioration, but it isn’t cracked or split. The upholstered surfaces seem to be in good order, although the lack of a front seat image leaves us in the dark. The wheel center is missing, but the interior is otherwise complete. The bookmatched fold-out rear tables add to the luxury impression, while front seat occupants receive a slide-out picnic table that is stowed below the gauges.

The Mark X was considered a large car by prevailing British standards, especially since the country’s roads played host to thousands of Morris Minors and Minis. A big car needs a good engine to provide acceptable performance, and Jaguar came to the party with the same DOHC 3.8-liter six that saw service in the legendary E-Type. It produced 266hp and 260 ft/lbs of torque while shifting duties fell to either a three-speed automatic or a four-speed manual with optional overdrive. The company treated the Mark X as a total package, utilizing a modified version of its independent rear suspension and four-wheel disc brakes. Much water has passed under the bridge since our feature car rolled off the line, and the sweet six left the building in favor of a 350ci Chevrolet V8 bolted to a three-speed automatic. This is a fairly common conversion and should reduce future maintenance and servicing costs. The seller indicates that the Jag was laid low around nine months ago by a leaking power steering seal. That is the only known mechanical issue, meaning that returning it to its rightful place on our roads should be fairly straightforward and inexpensive.

The seller listed this 1963 Jaguar Mark X Saloon here on Facebook Marketplace in Pflugerville, Texas. Their price of $11,000 looks affordable on the surface, although the new owner must spend a few extra dollars to return it to active service and replace the missing weatherstripping. However, it is rust-free, and the small-block should help minimize future maintenance bills. It has been on the market for about a week, but do you think it will find a new home?

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Comments

  1. RKS

    Am I the only one that finds it hilarious that the author can actually call this car a survivor grade classic?

    Like 8
    • 7TTORINO

      no

      Like 6
    • Fox owner

      I think he was referring to the exterior sheet metal and interior trim. The engine and tranny not so much.

      Like 6
  2. Slomoogee

    Call it what you will but these large Jaguars have presence. Once this one receives the attention it deserves it should make its new owner large and in charge as they guide this tweety bird along.

    Like 12
  3. Dave

    I’d swap in an overdrive trans, but that’s it

    Like 3
  4. bobhess bobhessMember

    Nice car but the grungy white wall tires and missing hub caps don’t match what this car should be. These days I would buy an updated power train car vs. an original.

    Like 8
  5. Greg A

    I can live with an SBC in these cars, even though original engines are plentiful and all parts are available. My main concern would be hidden rust, common on these Jags.

    Like 3
  6. John S. Irvine

    No air cleaner, battery not connected, awful presentation. Not a good color for that era Jag, or anything else really. Was that a original paint?

    Like 3
    • JagManBill

      not original paint – you can see that color on the inner fenders in the engine shot. Color looks like an early 70’s Caddy color “Bamboo Cream”. Is too “yellow” to be Primrose.

      Like 1
  7. JagManBill

    SBC conversion common? Yes in XJ’s not in MkX. This is actually the first SBC in a MkX I’ve ever seen and I’ve been around Jags (owning, working on, trading in, etc) for most of 50 years. I’ve seen two V12 swap-ins but never before an SBC. As can be seen, there is no room for an air filter. Not a good plan.

    Like 4
  8. David

    Can we call it a mobile director? It’s handsome and that 350 is a big favor. Nothing about ice cold A/C

    Like 0
  9. Richard B Kirschenbaum

    Buy it and drive it while you look for a roached out donor for the 3.8, but you might find that you like the Chevy too much. I first saw the Mark X cast as the conspiratorial General’s (Burt Lancaster) car in SEVEN DAYS IN MAY and was blown away by its incredible form.

    Like 2
  10. 1963Temoest

    In 1963 I was 16 and bagged groceries in Austin, TX. One of our customers was a beautiful, petite blonde that drove a 1963 Mark X painted this same yellow. Her husband owned Continental Motors the Jaguar dealer in Austin. Being this car is in nearby Pflugerville, this could very well be that same car. She later got a yellow E-type in place of this behemoth.

    Like 5
  11. Dan D

    Should make someone a decent ride but not my cup of tea earl gray,no pun intended

    Like 0

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