Era:
Late 1960s British luxury automotive market
Key Competitors:
Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, Bentley T-series, Mercedes-Benz W108/W109, Rover P6 3500
Design Philosophy:
Elegant styling, powerful straight-six engine, comfortable ride, and traditional British luxury appointments
Distinguishing Features:
Independent rear suspension (IRS), often featured independent front suspension, and typically a Jaguar straight-six engine
Engine Components:
Cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valves, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel delivery (carburetors/injection), ignition system, exhaust system
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual and Automatic gearbox components, clutch, driveshafts, differential, axles
Chassis Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (independent, wishbones, torsion bars, dampers), rear suspension (independent, trailing arms, dampers), steering rack, column, linkages, kingpins, bushings
Brakes:
Disc brake components (calipers, discs, pads), drum brake components (wheel cylinders, shoes, drums), master cylinder, brake servo (Girling/Dunlop), brake lines, parking brake system
Bodywork Exterior:
Body panels (hood, doors, fenders, roof, trunk lid), glass, seals, trim, bumpers, grille, lighting (headlights, taillights, indicators), wipers, washer system
Bodywork Interior:
Seats, dashboard, instruments, controls, steering wheel, interior trim panels, carpets, headlining, heating and ventilation systems, upholstery
Electrical System:
Wiring harnesses, battery, starter motor, alternator, ignition coil, distributor, lighting circuits, switches, fuses, relays, instrumentation lighting, horn
Wheels Tires:
Wheel assemblies, hubcaps, tire specifications
Part Identification:
Illustration-based identification of all factory-supplied parts with corresponding part numbers
Supersession Information:
Likely includes cross-references for superseded part numbers
Depth:
Detailed part breakdowns for all major assemblies and sub-assemblies, facilitating accurate parts ordering for repairs and restoration
Digital Format Availability:
Typically printed, but digital scans (PDF) may exist
Print Quality:
High-quality paper with clear, crisp line drawings and legible text (typical for official Jaguar publications)
Binding:
Often spiral-bound or stitched for lay-flat use in workshops
Paper Type:
Durable, often semi-gloss paper to withstand workshop conditions
Type:
3-speed Automatic (Borg-Warner Model 35)
Type:
4-speed Manual with Overdrive (Moss or Laycock-de Normanville)
Gear Ratios Auto:
Specific ratios vary by BW 35 model, typically around 2.45:1, 1.45:1, 1.00:1
Gear Ratios Manual Overdrive:
Specific ratios vary, but overdrive typically provides a lower cruising ratio
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent
Crash Test Data:
No formal crash test data available from modern standardized testing agencies for this era of vehicle.
Braking System Type:
Girling hydraulic disc brakes, servo-assisted
Front Brake Size Mm:
11.5 inch (292 mm)
Rear Brake Size Mm:
10.5 inch (267 mm)
Seatbelts:
Likely lap belts in the front, lap belts in the rear (optional three-point belts may have been available)
Steering Column:
Collapsible steering column (introduced in later Jaguar models of this period)
Body Construction:
Body-on-chassis construction with integrated safety cell elements.
Oil Change Miles Km:
3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 6 months
Grease Points Miles Km:
Regular lubrication of suspension and steering components (often weekly/monthly in period usage)
Valve Clearance Check Miles Km:
12,000 miles (19,000 km)
Engine Oil Grade:
SAE 20W-50 (or 10W-30/10W-40 depending on climate, often Castrol GTX equivalent)
Engine Oil Capacity Liters:
6.8 liters (with filter change)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (50/50 mix with water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Rear Axle Fluid Type:
EP 90 Gear Oil (for Salisbury or Jaguar banjo axle)
Common Wear Items:
Front suspension bushings, rear hub bearings, cam chain guides, oil seals (especially crankshaft rear main seal), water pump, radiator hoses
Electrical Quirks:
Lucas electrics can be prone to issues if not maintained; wiring harness degradation over time.
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, sills, floor pans, boot floor, inner wings
Founder:
Sir William Lyons
Philosophy:
Grace, Space, Pace
Predecessor:
Jaguar Mk 2, Jaguar S-Type
Relation To 420G:
The 420 was a slightly more sporting derivative of the Jaguar 420G (which itself was an evolution of the Mk 10/5.0 Litre) and shared much of its engineering with the Daimler Sovereign.
Design Inspiration:
Developed to offer a more compact and agile luxury saloon compared to the larger Mk 10, while retaining Jaguar's characteristic performance and style.
Manufacturing Location:
Coventry, England
Production Volume:
Approximately 10,234 units
