Positioning:
The Jaguar Mark 1 (also known as Jaguar 2.4 Litre and later 3.4 Litre) represented Jaguar's entry into the compact executive car segment, offering performance and luxury at a competitive price point.
Competitors:
Competed against cars like the Rover P4, Austin Westminster, and early Daimler models.
Defining Characteristics:
Monocoque chassis construction (a first for Jaguar), powerful XK engine variants, and characteristic Jaguar styling and performance.
Engine Systems:
Engine overhaul, tuning, lubrication, cooling, fuel system (carburetion, fuel pumps), exhaust system.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual gearbox (Moss type), overdrive unit (optional), clutch, driveshafts, rear axle, differential.
Suspension Steering:
Front independent suspension (wishbones, torsion bars), rear semi-elliptic leaf springs, steering box, linkages, power steering (optional).
Brakes:
Front disc brakes (Dunlop), rear drum brakes, hydraulic system, brake adjustments, master cylinder, wheel cylinders.
Electrical System:
Ignition system, lighting, charging system (generator, dynamo), starter motor, wiring diagrams, instrumentation, horns.
Bodywork Chassis:
Body shell construction, doors, windows, interior trim, front and rear fenders, bumpers, frame and chassis components.
Maintenance:
Regular servicing, lubrication points, fluid changes, filter replacements, ignition timing, carburetor adjustment, brake bleeding.
Repair Rebuild:
Engine rebuilds, gearbox overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/cylinder overhauls, clutch replacement, body panel repair.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common problems, fault finding procedures for engine, electrical, and mechanical systems.
Parts Identification:
Illustrated parts breakdown with part numbers for major assemblies and components.
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers routine maintenance to full mechanical and bodywork rebuilds.
Engine Name 2.4:
Jaguar XK 2.4 Litre Straight-6 (XK120 derivative)
Engine Name 3.4:
Jaguar XK 3.4 Litre Straight-6 (XK140/150 derivative)
Horsepower 2.4:
Approximately 112 bhp @ 5,000 rpm
Torque 2.4:
Approximately 135 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
Horsepower 3.4:
Approximately 200 bhp @ 5,500 rpm (with dual SU carburetors)
Torque 3.4:
Approximately 234 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Carburetion:
2.4 Litre: Single SU H6 Carburetor; 3.4 Litre: Twin SU HD6 Carburetors
Fuel Type:
Leaded Petrol (Gasoline)
Transmission Type:
4-speed Manual (Moss 'Box' Gearbox)
Overdrive:
Laycock de Normanville 'J-Type' Overdrive (available on 3.4 Litre models)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated
Rear Axle:
Hypoid bevel final drive, semi-floating axle shafts
Length:
Approx. 157.5 inches (4000 mm)
Width:
Approx. 64 inches (1625 mm)
Height:
Approx. 57 inches (1450 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 107 inches (2718 mm)
Track Front:
Approx. 51.5 inches (1308 mm)
Track Rear:
Approx. 50.5 inches (1283 mm)
Kerb Weight 2.4:
Approx. 3,100 lbs (1406 kg)
Kerb Weight 3.4:
Approx. 3,200 lbs (1451 kg)
Crash Safety Era:
Era-appropriate safety standards. No modern crash test ratings apply.
Braking System:
Front Dunlop hydraulic disc brakes, rear drum brakes.
Suspension Design:
Independent front suspension contributed to stable handling.
Body Construction:
Monocoque construction offered improved structural integrity for its time.
Seatbelts:
Optional in later production years, not standard initially.
Audio System:
Optional period-correct radio (e.g., Lucas, Motorola) typically AM band.
Power Steering:
Optional on 3.4 models, offering improved low-speed maneuverability.
Connectivity Features:
None (Designed for a simpler era of motoring).
Oil Change Interval:
Recommended every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Grease Points:
Require regular lubrication at specified intervals (check manual).
Tune Up Frequency:
Recommended annually or every 6,000 miles (9,600 km) for optimal performance.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 (or equivalent quality oil for classic engines)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 12 Imperial pints (6.8 litres)
Coolant Type:
Water with anti-corrosion/anti-freeze additive (e.g., Ethylene Glycol based)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Gearbox Oil Type:
EP 90 Gear Oil (for Moss gearbox and overdrive)
Rear Axle Oil Type:
EP 90 Hypoid Gear Oil
Common Problems:
Oil leaks from engine and gearbox, suspension wear, front anti-roll bar bushings, carburetor tuning instability, rust in common areas (sills, wheel arches).
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring looms can lead to intermittent electrical issues.
Brake System Maintenance:
Disc brake calipers can seize, regular fluid changes are crucial.
Brand Legacy:
Jaguar Cars, founded by Sir William Lyons, renowned for performance luxury cars with sporting pedigree.
Predecessor:
Followed Jaguar's range of larger saloons like the Mk V and early XK models.
Successor:
Succeeded by the Jaguar Mark 2, which evolved many of the Mark 1's features.
Production Period:
1955 - 1959
Manufacturing Location:
Coventry, England
Total Production Approx:
26,000 (combined 2.4 and 3.4 Litre models)
