🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jaguar

Model:

Mark 1 & 2, 240, 340

Production Years:

1956-1969

Model Codes Covered:

Mark 1 (XK140 based chassis), Mark 2 (XK150 based chassis), 240 (updated Mark 2), 340 (Export version of 240)

👋 Introduction

Historical Context:

The Jaguar Mark 1 and Mark 2, along with their later iterations (240/340), represent a golden era of British sports saloons. They were positioned as luxurious, high-performance cars appealing to executives and enthusiasts seeking speed and comfort.

Key Competitors:

Aston Martin DB4, Bentley S-Type, Rover P5, Daimler V8 250

Vehicle Strengths:

Elegant styling, powerful XK engines, sophisticated independent front suspension, powerful disc brakes, comfortable ride, high-quality interior finishes.

Benefit To Owner:

Essential for maintaining these classic Jaguars, enabling owners to perform repairs, maintenance, and diagnostics accurately, thereby preserving the car's value and drivability.

Instant Access:

Instant download eliminates shipping delays and costs, providing immediate access to critical repair information.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Parts and Workshop/Repair/Service

Estimated Page Count:

Varies significantly by specific edition, but typically comprehensive for the era (estimated 300-600+ pages)

Manual Type:

Workshop Manual / Repair Manual / Service Manual / Parts Manual (integrated within the workshop documentation)

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Full disassembly, inspection, assembly, tuning for XK series engines (3.4L, 3.8L, 2.4L)

Fuel System:

Carburetor overhaul (SU HD6, Zenith-Stromberg), fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank maintenance

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant types and capacities

Clutch:

Single dry plate clutch inspection, adjustment, and replacement

Transmission:

Moss gearbox (pre-synchromesh gears), Jaguar '3-Sync' gearbox overhaul, fluid specifications, gear shift mechanism

Propeller Shaft:

Universal joint maintenance and replacement, phasing

Rear Axle:

Differential overhaul, bearing adjustments, axle casing maintenance, oil specifications

Steering:

Burman recirculating ball steering box overhaul, idler box, tie rod ends, steering column, lubrication

Front Suspension:

Independent front suspension, wishbones, kingpins, trunnions, bushings, shock absorbers, lubrication

Rear Suspension:

Live axle, half-elliptic leaf springs, shock absorbers, bushings, lubrication

Brakes:

Girling disc brakes (front and rear), brake fluid types, bleeding procedures, caliper overhaul, master cylinder, handbrake system

Wheels And Tyres:

Wheel types (wire spoke, pressed steel), tyre pressure specifications, wheel balancing, hub maintenance

Bodywork:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, window regulators, upholstery, trim, corrosion prevention

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, pipes, mufflers, hangers, gasket replacement

Heating And Windscreen:

Heater matrix, demister system, windscreen wiper mechanism, washer system

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, starter motor, dynamo/alternator, ignition system (coil, distributor, spark plugs), lighting, instrumentation, dashboard components, fuse box

Maintenance:

Regular lubrication points, fluid changes, filter replacements, ignition timing, carburetor adjustments, brake bleeding

Troubleshooting:

Diagnosis of common faults, symptom analysis, fault finding charts

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component overhaul and replacement

Rebuild:

Complete engine rebuild, gearbox rebuild, axle rebuild procedures

Adjustment:

Carburetor mixture and idle, tappet clearances, valve timing, brake adjustments, steering box backlash

Installation:

Component installation and alignment

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance to full mechanical and electrical system overhauls and rebuilds. Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, and tolerances.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Features:

Searchable text, bookmark navigation (typical for well-scanned PDFs), printable pages

Digital Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory manuals, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Physical Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Original Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Variants:

2.4 Litre (2398cc), 3.4 Litre (3442cc), 3.8 Litre (3791cc) Jaguar XK engines

3.4L Power:

Approximately 210-220 bhp (depending on specific carburation and tune)

3.8L Power:

Approximately 220-265 bhp (depending on specific carburation and tune)

2.4L Power:

Approximately 180-190 bhp

Carburetors:

Twin SU HD6 carburetors typically; later models may have Zenith-Stromberg variants or single Stromberg

Block Material:

Cast Iron

Head Material:

Light Alloy (Aluminum)

Ignition System:

Lucas (Distributor, Coil, Spark Plugs)

🔧 Transmission

Gearbox Type Early:

Moss 4-speed manual (non-synchromesh on 1st gear for early Mark 1)

Gearbox Type Later:

Jaguar 3-Sync 4-speed manual (synchromesh on 1st, 2nd, 3rd gears)

Automatic Transmission:

Optional Borg-Warner DG automatic transmission available on some models (particularly Mark 2)

Overdrive:

Optional Laycock de Normanville overdrive (usually on 3rd and 4th gears) available with manual transmissions

Manual Gearbox Oil:

EP 90 Gear Oil (API GL-4 or GL-5, check specific manual for exact spec)

Automatic Gearbox Fluid:

Dexron Type B or equivalent (for Borg-Warner DG)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Mark 1: 104 inches (2642 mm); Mark 2/240/340: 107 inches (2718 mm)

Length:

Mark 1: approx. 176 inches (4470 mm); Mark 2/240/340: approx. 183 inches (4650 mm)

Width:

Mark 1: approx. 64 inches (1626 mm); Mark 2/240/340: approx. 66 inches (1676 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3000-3300 lbs (1360-1497 kg), varies by engine and specification

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Era:

No standardized crash testing as per modern regulations.

Braking System:

Girling hydraulic disc brakes on all four wheels (standard on Mark 2, 240, 340; optional on later Mark 1). Highly advanced for its time.

Seat Belts:

Not standard equipment; often retrofitted by owners. Manual covers installation/replacement of belts.

Body Structure:

Integral body construction, providing better rigidity than body-on-frame designs of the era.

💡 Technology Features

Radio:

Optional period-appropriate AM radio (e.g., Lucas)

Power Steering:

Optional power steering (Burman recirculating ball system) available on Mark 2 and later models.

Vintage Era Features:

Focus on mechanical and electrical systems. No electronic driver aids or modern connectivity features.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,000 miles or 6 months (typical for the era)

Grease Points:

Lubricate chassis grease points every 1,000-2,000 miles

Valve Clearance Check:

Every 6,000 miles

Engine Oil:

SAE 20W-50 or 20W-40 (mineral oil) – check specific manual for optimal weight based on climate. Avoid modern synthetic oils that may not be compatible with older seals.

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (e.g., 50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid:

Girling Universal (pre-DOT 5 silicone fluid) or equivalent DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for exact type and spec). NEVER use DOT 5 silicone fluid unless the entire system is converted.

Common Faults:

Core plug corrosion, overheating due to inefficient cooling systems, SU carburetor tuning issues, Moss gearbox synchromesh wear, steering box wear, weak rear springs, electrical system reliability (wiring deterioration), rust in wheel arches and sills.

Rebuild Considerations:

Engine rebuilds require specialized knowledge of XK engines; transmission rebuilds of Moss gearboxes are particularly delicate.

📚 Vehicle History

Founder:

Sir William Lyons

Philosophy:

Grace, Space, Pace

Mark 1 Introduction:

Launched in 1955, it was Jaguar's first monocoque construction, featuring a smaller, more compact design with a 2.4L engine. Known for its sporting handling.

Mark 2 Introduction:

Launched in 1959, it was a significantly improved and larger version of the Mark 1, featuring increased cabin space, larger engine options (3.4L, 3.8L), and standard disc brakes. Became an icon of the 1960s.

240 340 Introduction:

Introduced in 1967 as a cost-reduced version of the Mark 2 to compete with other saloons. The 240 offered a 2.4L engine, and the 340 was an export-only model with a 3.4L engine, featuring simplified interiors and some cosmetic changes.

Manufacturing Location:

Coventry, England

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Acclaim:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists of the era for performance, handling, and luxury. Often cited as benchmarks for sports saloons.

Classic Car Value:

Highly sought-after by collectors, with values for well-maintained examples continuing to rise.

Heritage Status:

Recognized as significant classic cars with historical importance in automotive design and engineering.