Model:
Saloon (Mk1, Mk2, 240, 340)
Production Years Covered:
1955-1969
Chassis Codes:
Mk1: 3114, Mk2: J7032 onwards, 240/340: J6134 onwards
Historical Segment:
Premium executive saloon car.
Competitors:
Competed against other luxury marques like Rover, Humber, and imported models from Mercedes-Benz and BMW in its era.
Design Philosophy:
Emphasized performance, luxury, and distinctive British styling.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides professional-grade repair and maintenance information essential for preserving and restoring these classic Jaguars.
Covered Models:
Jaguar Mk1 Saloon, Jaguar Mk2 Saloon, Jaguar 240, Jaguar 340
Covered Engine Variants:
2.4 Litre, 3.4 Litre, 3.8 Litre (Mk2), 3.4 Litre (240/340)
Estimated Page Count:
Highly comprehensive, likely exceeding 500 pages based on typical professional workshop manuals of the era.
Manual Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Engine Management:
Engine overhaul, tuning, ignition system, fuel system (carburetors), cooling system, lubrication system.
Drivetrain:
Clutch, gearbox (manual and automatic options), overdrive, rear axle and differential.
Braking System:
Hydraulic brake system, brake assembly (discs front, drums rear), handbrake, brake fluid specifications.
Steering Suspension:
Steering box, steering linkage, front suspension (independent wishbone), rear suspension (live axle, semi-elliptic springs), shock absorbers.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams for all models and years, battery, generator/alternator, starter motor, lighting, instruments, accessories.
Bodywork Chassis:
Body and frame construction, panel repair, doors, windows, interior trim, bumpers, jacking points.
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, valve adjustments, ignition timing.
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuilds, gearbox overhauls, brake caliper/cylinder refurbishment, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic fault finding for common and uncommon issues across all major vehicle systems.
Depth Of Information:
Professional level, covering full diagnostics, component-level repair, and detailed specifications for rebuilding major assemblies.
Mk1 Engine:
XK 3.4 Litre (1955-1959), 2.4 Litre (1957-1959)
Mk2 Engines:
2.4 Litre (XK 3.8 '2.4' modified), 3.4 Litre (XK 3.4), 3.8 Litre (XK 3.8)
240 340 Engines:
2.4 Litre (derived from Mk2 2.4), 3.4 Litre (derived from Mk2 3.4)
Mk2 3.8 Performance:
Approx. 220 bhp (gross), Top Speed: ~120 mph (193 km/h)
Mk2 3.4 Performance:
Approx. 183 bhp (gross), Top Speed: ~110 mph (177 km/h)
Mk2 2.4 Performance:
Approx. 133 bhp (gross), Top Speed: ~95 mph (153 km/h)
Carburetion:
Typically twin SU carburetors (e.g., H6, HD6) depending on engine displacement.
Fuel Type:
Leaded Petrol (historically), unleaded requires adjustments/additives.
Manual Transmission:
4-speed manual, often with optional overdrive (Laycock de Normanville Type).
Automatic Transmission:
BorgWarner DG (2.4/3.4 Litre), Type 35/37 (3.8 Litre), 3-speed automatic available on most models.
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios vary by engine and transmission type; manual includes close-ratio options.
Wheelbase:
Mk1: 104 inches (2642 mm), Mk2/240/340: 107 inches (2720 mm)
Overall Length:
Mk1: Approx. 173 inches (4394 mm), Mk2: Approx. 184 inches (4674 mm)
Kerb Weight:
Approx. 3000-3400 lbs (1360-1540 kg) depending on model and specification.
Era Safety Standards:
Reflects safety standards of the 1950s/60s, generally without modern crumple zones or advanced restraint systems. Focus on robust chassis and braking.
Braking System:
Girling hydraulic disc brakes on front wheels from introduction (Mk1), often on all four wheels on later Mk2/240/340 models. Powerful for the era.
Chassis Construction:
Body-on-frame construction with integrated chassis for strength.
Original Audio:
Factory fitted radios were optional and basic by modern standards (e.g., AM radio).
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) were not available during this production period.
Power Steering:
Optional on some models, notably the 3.8 Litre Mk2. Often recirculating ball type.
Oil Change Interval:
Historically, every 3,000 miles or 6 months. Modern practice may suggest more frequent checks.
Grease Points:
Requires regular chassis lubrication at specified points (e.g., kingpins, prop shaft UJs, steering joints).
Engine Oil:
Viscosity dependent on climate, typically SAE 20W-50 or 20W-50 HD. Consult original workshop manuals for specific grades.
Coolant:
Water/antifreeze mixture (50/50). Specific anti-corrosion additives may be beneficial.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic fluid for brake and clutch systems.
Gearbox Oil:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 90 or 80W-90 gear oil for manual transmissions. Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for BorgWarner units.
Body Corrosion:
Prone to rust in sills, wheel arches, floor pans, and around window seals.
Engine Oil Leaks:
Common due to aged seals and gaskets, particularly around the rear crankshaft seal and oil filter housing.
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring looms and connections can lead to intermittent electrical faults.
Cooling System Overheating:
Can occur if radiator is clogged, thermostat fails, or water pump is weak.
Jaguar Legacy:
Jaguar Cars Limited, renowned for its performance sports cars and elegant saloons, built on a foundation of motorsport success.
Mk1 To Mk2 Transition:
The Mk1 (1955-1959) introduced unitary body construction. The Mk2 (1959-1967) was an evolution with increased interior space, larger engine options (3.8L), and improved suspension, becoming iconic.
240 340 Development:
The 240 (1967-1968) and 340 (1967-1969) were later, more budget-oriented versions of the Mk2, offering slightly revised styling and specification.
Manufacturing Location:
Coventry, England.
Automotive Acclaim:
Jaguar saloons of this era were widely praised for their styling, performance, and roadholding, earning them a reputation as driver's cars.
Mk2 Icon Status:
The Mk2, in particular, became an icon of 1960s motoring and is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
