🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jaguar

Model:

Mark II

Mark I Generation:

First Generation

Mark Ii Generation:

Second Generation

Mark I Chassis Code:

XK140 based (modified)

Mark Ii Chassis Code:

XJ40 precursor (modified)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Jaguar Mark I and Mark II were positioned as executive and sports saloons, representing a blend of luxury, performance, and style in their respective eras. They competed against other premium marques from Britain and Europe.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed with models from Rover, Austin, Wolseley, Riley, Daimler, as well as European offerings like Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The Mark II, in particular, gained acclaim for its improved handling and performance, often outperforming more expensive rivals.

Key Features Mark I:

Monocoque construction, powerful straight-six engines, refined ride, distinctive styling.

Key Features Mark Ii:

Enhanced performance, disc brakes standard on all wheels, improved interior space, optional independent rear suspension, higher output engines (2.4, 3.4, 3.8 litre).

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Comprehensive service, repair, and parts catalog for Jaguar Mark I and Mark II models.

Page Count:

Estimated 500-700+ pages (typical for combined service/parts manuals of this era, exact count not provided in product info).

Manual Type:

Combined Service and Parts Catalog.

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF) or Printed Reproduction. Specify if digital, state searchable text.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, timing gear, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel delivery (carburetors and early injection), exhaust system, engine management (ignition, early electronic controls).

Transmission Systems:

Manual gearbox (Moss, later Jaguar variants), Automatic transmission (BorgWarner DG, later Jaguar options), clutch system, driveshafts, differential, axle assemblies.

Suspension Steering:

Front independent suspension (wishbones, coil springs), Rear live axle with leaf springs (Mark I), independent rear suspension (IRS) on Mark II, steering rack, power steering (optional), steering column, wheel bearings.

Brake Systems:

Hydraulic brake systems, front disc brakes (Girling/Dunlop), rear drum brakes, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, parking brake system.

Electrical Systems:

Wiring diagrams, charging system (generator/alternator), starting system, ignition system, lighting (headlights, taillights, indicators), instrumentation, horn, wiper system, early radio systems, battery specifications.

Body Chassis:

Body construction, frame integrity, door mechanisms, window regulators, seating, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers, paint specifications (color codes), chassis lubrication points.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump, carburetor specifications (SU, Zenith Stromberg), fuel filter replacement, fuel pump types.

Maintenance Procedures:

Routine servicing (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks), lubrication schedules, valve adjustments, ignition timing, carburetor tuning, brake system inspections.

Repair Procedures:

Engine rebuilds (full disassembly and reassembly), transmission overhauls, brake caliper and cylinder repair, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair.

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Step-by-step diagnostic charts for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides for engine performance, electrical faults, brake issues, and transmission problems.

Parts Identification:

Detailed exploded diagrams with part numbers for all major assemblies and components, including engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, electrical, and bodywork.

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque settings for all critical fasteners across all vehicle systems (e.g., cylinder head bolts, main bearing caps, suspension mounting points, wheel nuts).

Technical Depth:

In-depth, factory-level technical information suitable for professional mechanics and dedicated enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete vehicle restoration and engine rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Digital:

PDF (typically high-resolution scans of original manuals).

Print Quality Digital:

Searchable text, clear image reproduction, ability to print individual pages or the entire document.

Binding Type Print:

Comb binding, spiral binding, or perfect bound (common for reproduction manuals).

Paper Type Print:

Durable paper stock, often matte finish to reduce glare and facilitate note-taking during workshop use.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine Mark I:

2.4 Litre XK Straight-Six

Engine Displacement Mark I:

2398 cc (146 cu in)

Engine Configuration Mark I:

Inline 6-cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV)

Bore Stroke Mark I:

76.2 mm x 88.0 mm (3.00 in x 3.46 in)

Horsepower Mark I:

Approx. 70 bhp (net) at 4200 rpm

Torque Mark I:

Approx. 135 lb-ft (net) at 2500 rpm

Primary Engine Mark Ii:

3.8 Litre XK Straight-Six (Top Performance Variant)

Engine Displacement Mark Ii:

3781 cc (231 cu in)

Engine Configuration Mark Ii:

Inline 6-cylinder, Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) - XK Engine lineage

Bore Stroke Mark Ii 3.8:

87.0 mm x 103.0 mm (3.43 in x 4.06 in)

Horsepower Mark Ii 3.8:

Approx. 220 bhp (net) at 5500 rpm (with twin SU carburetors)

Torque Mark Ii 3.8:

Approx. 240 lb-ft (net) at 4000 rpm

Other Engines Mark Ii:

2.4 Litre (2398 cc), 3.4 Litre (3442 cc)

Fuel System:

Carbureted. Mark I typically single SU carburetor. Mark II offered single or twin SU carburetors, and later optional Lucas fuel injection on some models.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed Manual (Moss Gearbox with or without Overdrive for Mark I and early Mark II, 'Laycock de Normanville' overdrive option available).

Optional Transmission:

3-speed Automatic (BorgWarner DG, particularly on Mark I and later Mark II models).

Transmission Features:

Synchromesh on all forward gears (from Mark II onwards). Overdrive offered a more relaxed highway cruising speed and improved fuel economy.

Transmission Fluid Type:

GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 90 for manual, specific ATF for automatic – consult manual for precise grades and quantities).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Mark I: 107 inches (2718 mm); Mark II: 107 inches (2718 mm)

Overall Length:

Mark I: ~172 inches (4369 mm); Mark II: ~181 inches (4600 mm)

Overall Width:

Mark I: ~65 inches (1651 mm); Mark II: ~67 inches (1702 mm)

Overall Height:

Mark I: ~60 inches (1524 mm); Mark II: ~59 inches (1499 mm)

Curb Weight:

Mark I: ~3000 lbs (1360 kg); Mark II: ~3200-3500 lbs (1450-1590 kg), depending on engine and options.

Wheelbase Mark Ii Irs:

107 inches (2718 mm)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

4x4.5 inch (114.3 mm) PCD

Standard Tire Size:

Typically 6.40 x 15 or 165R15 radial tires, depending on year and model. Consult manual for specifics.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

No formal crash test ratings exist for this era of vehicles according to modern standards (e.g., NHTSA, Euro NCAP). However, the robust construction and strong chassis were considered advanced for their time.

Active Safety Features:

Four-wheel disc brakes (standard on Mark II, optional on later Mark I), effective hydraulic system, responsive steering.

Passive Safety Features:

Steel monocoque construction, padded dashboard (limited), safety glass windshield, robust door construction.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Systems:

Basic in-car entertainment of the era. Typically a period-correct AM/FM radio, often with a push-button tuner. Optional factory-fitted radios were available. Speaker placement varied.

Driver Assistance Features:

Very limited by modern standards. Power steering was an option on later models. Overdrive provided a driver aid for highway cruising.

Connectivity Features:

None by modern definition. Connectivity was limited to mechanical linkages for controls.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 miles or 6 months. Consult manual for specific recommendations for driving conditions.

Grease Points Lubrication:

Regular lubrication of chassis grease points (e.g., kingpins, steering joints, propeller shaft UJs) at intervals of 1,000-3,000 miles is crucial. Consult manual for specific locations.

Valve Adjustment Interval:

Recommended every 6,000-12,000 miles for OHV engines (Mark I 2.4). DOHC engines (Mark II) also require periodic checks.

Engine Oil Grade:

Typically SAE 20W/50 or SAE 10W/30 depending on climate and engine condition. Use oil with adequate ZDDP content for flat tappet camshafts.

Coolant Specification:

Water mixed with an appropriate anti-freeze/anti-corrosion additive (e.g., ethylene glycol based). Consult manual for correct mixture ratio.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid. Check manual for specific recommendation. Flush and replace every 2 years.

Carburetor Type:

SU Carburetors (e.g., H6, HD6). Zenith Stromberg also used on later models.

Known Issues Engine:

Oil leaks, oil consumption, potential camshaft wear (due to low ZDDP in modern oils), carburetor tuning issues, cooling system overheating if not properly maintained.

Known Issues Chassis:

Rust (particularly in sills, wheel arches, floor pans), worn suspension bushings, steering idler wear, weak shock absorbers.

Known Issues Electrical:

Aging wiring looms, Lucas electrics ('Prince of Darkness') reliability, generator to alternator conversion often required, Lucas dynamo issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Jaguar Cars was founded by Sir William Lyons, known for producing stylish, high-performance luxury cars. The company's roots trace back to the Swallow Sidecar Company, with a heritage of innovation in automotive design and engineering.

Model Evolution:

The Mark I (1955-1959) was Jaguar's first unitary construction saloon, replacing the older XK120-based saloons. It was characterized by its compact size and performance. The Mark II (1959-1968) was a significant evolution, offering a longer cabin, improved styling, standard disc brakes, and more powerful engine options, solidifying its reputation as a sporting saloon.

Production Period Mark I:

1955-1959

Production Period Mark Ii:

1959-1968

Manufacturing Location:

Coventry, England, United Kingdom

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The Jaguar Mark II, in particular, received widespread critical acclaim for its performance and handling. It was a popular choice among police forces in the UK due to its speed and durability, leading to its nickname 'The Coppers' Runner'.

Ratings Contemporary:

Consistently rated highly by automotive journalists of the period for its blend of comfort, luxury, and sporting prowess. Competed effectively against rivals in its class.