Jaguar’s Mark X was the ultimate expression of the company’s marketing tagline – Grace… Space… Pace. Introduced in October 1961, just a few months after the Jaguar XKE, the new saloon represented an upgrade over every other Jag saloon that came before it. Utilizing unitary construction, a limited-slip differential, and independent suspension at all four corners, the big cat offered all the underpinnings required for outstanding handling. Jaguar fans were already accustomed to four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes and the 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine, but the majesty of the Mark X was almost overwhelming. It stood on a 120″ wheelbase, though deep overhangs front and rear brought overall length to 202″. The new front end – with its four headlights and flat grille – angled forward like a cougar ready to pounce. The interior swaddled its occupants in the finest leather and wool that money could buy. Its wood instrument panel, door caps, and rear seat trays are meticulously crafted and atrociously expensive to refurbish. An upgrade to Jaguar’s 4.2-liter engine in 1964 kept up the drumbeat of improvement. We’re fortunate that BF_tipBot_beepboop found a one-owner example of this big cat for us – thanks!
This dark blue over blue leather example shows just 74,000 miles, and it’s one of only 5137 Mark Xs built with the 4.2-liter six-cylinder engine. The larger displacement gave these later cars a top speed of 122 mph, versus 120 for the 3.8-liter, though both registered identical output of 265 bhp. The smaller-engined car was a mite slower to sixty mph, at 10.2 seconds, versus the 4.2 hustling down the line in less than 10 seconds. Though a four-speed manual was available, most examples are equipped with a three-speed Borg Warner automatic. This car has a new stainless-steel exhaust system and a fresh tune-up. The wood inside has been refurbished, and the seats were re-dyed.
The fuselage shape of the Mark X’s body comes to a delicate taper in the rear, punctuating the long trunk, a design idiom found later on the S-type. This car’s chrome, paint, glass, lenses – virtually all the cosmetics appear well-tended. An in-person inspection can be conducted at the car’s home garage in Tigard, Oregon.
The perks of acquiring a car from long ownership should include records and manuals. Accompanying the car is a fat file of receipts, its original owner’s manual, and historical photos. Advertised here on craigslist for $21,500, this 1966 Jaguar Mark X is a cut above most we found for sale. Still, this is an unloved model: prices are stuck below $20k for driver-quality cars, with truly outstanding examples selling closer to $40k. One consideration is the steep cost of repair and restoration, but our subject car seems to have been coddled through its life. Would you take a chance on this regal cat?
Am I the only one who finds these to be, well, ugly? I look at this and I see “Jaguar meets Edsel meets melted bar of soap.” Droopy front and rear, bloated bodysides, squished greenhouse… it’s just not Jaguar’s best work in my eyes.
I always think of a Hudson Hornet when I see one of these, of course the Hudson is not known for oil leaks, overheating, and other reliability issues.
Though not Jaguar’s most timeless design, these still look good in person. They are insanely luxurious, and I would take one over the same year’s RR for ride, comfort and performance. Pretty easy to tell in person how one has been maintained. Hard to camouflage abuse with so many fine features. If this looks well maintained, it is a great bang for the buck.
Though not as easy on the eyes as, say, a 1967 Mark 2, these still have an elegance in both exterior sheetmetal and especially interior appointments in a four door that are now only poorly imitated and not duplicated. A perfect accompaniment for a Jaguar aficionado with an E-Type of similar vintage. Though it may not fetch the money other Jaguars do it is a phone photo showstopper in todays traffic and most don’t know what it’s worth anyway.
Classy find and article, Michelle.
Just wait until you take it in for service. Remember: JAG = Just Another Grand
You are correct Todd, I drive a Mercedes and MB stands for Many Bucks.
I can’t imagine anyone being interested in a ’60s era Jag if they don’t do their own work. The owner’s manual requires that you perform weekly and monthly (very minor) mechanical tasks, like filling the carbs with oil, for example. Maybe we were more mechanical and self-sufficient in the 60s, but without at least minimal skills, please don’t consider owning an old Jag! I’ve owned many, and loved every minute with them, but they’re not for everyone.
You are correct on that tompdx, I made a comment back in January 2024 about a ’69 420 G and it is worth repeating.
Jan 11, 2024 • For Sale
1969 Jaguar Mark X
Jan 13, 2024 at 3:55pm
My dad had a ‘68 420G and it was a real nice car. He paid around $6,000 for it and drove it for 2 years.
The thing I didn’t like about it was it needed retuning every 400 miles.
Not fun at the side of the road when the temperature is over 100 and humidity at 85%.
In 1970, someone offered him $10,000 cash, so he sold it.
Roadkill draguar clone! LOL
And of course, BMW, break my wallet
For the two wheel crowd (heard this from an owner) KTM Keep throwin money.
Sir, BMW means Busen Mit Wackelkontakt = Breasts with wobble
BMW Auto-Break My Window
BMW Mottorad- Break My Wallet
And let’s not forget Bring On Another Thousand, my old trade. Do you suppose this is air conditioned?
It appears to be air-conditioned – a trunk-mounted unit is visible in the trunk shot, and a back seat shot has the edge of a parcel-tray-mounted vent.
That’s not likely, being an English car, but possible.
Oh, it had air!
In purely the english manner………..Just open a window.
Thankfully they were electric not the authentic english style of armbreaker mechanism.