Positioning:
The Jaguar Mark X was positioned as a luxury executive sedan, competing with top-tier offerings from Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce, and other prestige marques. It offered a blend of powerful performance, elegant styling, and luxurious appointments.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W111/W112 'Fintail' sedans, Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, Bentley S-series, Rover P5B.
Distinctive Elements:
Spacious interior, independent rear suspension (IRS), powerful straight-six engines, advanced (for its time) braking systems, elegant styling derived from the Jaguar E-Type.
Value:
This manual is invaluable for owners and mechanics of classic Jaguar vehicles, providing the same comprehensive information used by authorized service centers. It empowers users to perform maintenance and repairs accurately, saving significant costs and preserving the vehicle's originality and performance.
Engine:
Engine Service/Repair, Engine Control System
Transmission:
Transmission Service/Repair, Differential/Drive, Axle
Electrical:
Wiring Diagram, Electrical System, Engine Control System
Suspension Steering:
Suspension, Steering
Cooling Fuel:
Cooling System, Fuel Injection/Fuel System
Chassis Body:
Chassis/Body, Interior, Heater/Air Conditioner
Emissions Safety:
Emission System, Restraint System
General Maintenance:
General Maintenance, Periodic Lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Troubleshooting, Electrical Service Procedures
Repair Rebuild:
Detailed substeps expand on repair procedure information, Disassembly, Assembly, Cleaning and Reinstalling Procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive diagnostic, repair and maintenance information as used by professional technicians. Includes detailed substeps, notes, cautions, warnings, numbered instructions, illustrations, drawings, photos, and enlarged insets.
Engine Type 1960S:
3.8-litre Jaguar XK inline-six (XK380)
Engine Type Late 1960S:
4.2-litre Jaguar XK inline-six (XK420)
Horsepower 3.8L:
220 bhp @ 5500 rpm (Gross)
Torque 3.8L:
283 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (Gross)
Horsepower 4.2L:
265 bhp @ 5400 rpm (Gross)
Torque 4.2L:
304 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (Gross)
Carburetion 3.8L:
Two SU HD6 Carburetors
Carburetion 4.2L:
Two or Three SU Carburetors (depending on specific market/variant)
Engine Codes:
XK380, XK420
Capacity And Type:
Pressurized coolant system, requires specific coolant mixture and capacity, detailed in manual.
Oil Capacity And Type:
Requires specific grade of engine oil (e.g., SAE 20W-50 or similar for the era), capacity detailed in manual. Oil filter part numbers and replacement intervals are covered.
Transmission Type Early:
3-speed Borg-Warner DG Automatic Transmission
Transmission Type Late Manual:
4-speed Manual with Overdrive (Moss Gearbox or later Jaguar synchronized unit)
Drive System:
Rear-wheel drive
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Specific Dexron or equivalent fluid type for the Borg-Warner unit, detailed in manual.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Specific gear oil grade for manual gearboxes, detailed in manual.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 110 inches (2794 mm)
Length:
Approx. 199.5 inches (5067 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.5 inches (1791 mm)
Height:
Approx. 53.5 inches (1359 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,700 - 4,000 lbs (1678 - 1814 kg), depending on specification.
Crash Testing Era:
Vehicle safety standards and testing were significantly less rigorous in this era compared to modern standards. Specific crash test ratings are generally not available.
Braking System:
Girling disc brakes on all four wheels (standard), power-assisted.
Seat Belts:
Lap belts often optional or standard depending on market and year, three-point belts were less common initially but became more prevalent.
Steering Column:
Collapsible steering column (designed to mitigate impact during frontal collisions).
Audio System:
Typically a period-correct AM/FM radio, often with optional multiplex stereo. The manual will cover its maintenance and diagnostics.
Power Steering:
Standard power steering (Burman or Marles VDMA), essential for maneuvering the large vehicle. Manual details its operation and service.
Not Applicable:
No modern electronic connectivity features present in vehicles of this era.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 6 months, but manual will provide precise Jaguar recommendations.
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plugs, points, condenser checks typically at 6,000-10,000 mile intervals, depending on usage and specific engine tuning. Manual will detail exact requirements.
Transmission Service Interval:
Automatic transmission fluid and filter changes typically every 20,000-30,000 miles. Manual will specify for Borg-Warner.
Coolant Specification:
Specific mixture of antifreeze and water, with appropriate corrosion inhibitors for the era. Manual will list recommended type and ratio.
Brake Fluid Specification:
Typically DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid, manual will confirm the exact specification for the Girling system.
Common Wear Items:
Bushings in suspension and steering, brake components (pads, discs, lines), exhaust system integrity, radiator, and fuel delivery system components are common areas requiring attention on vehicles of this age.
Rust And Corrosion:
As with many cars of this era, rust can be a significant issue, particularly in the sills, wheel arches, and floor pans. The manual covers body repair and rust prevention measures.
Electrical Gremlins:
Age-related degradation of wiring insulation and connections can lead to intermittent electrical faults, all of which are addressed in the detailed wiring diagrams and troubleshooting sections.
Heritage Summary:
Jaguar Cars, founded by Sir William Lyons, has a long-standing reputation for producing stylish, high-performance, and luxurious sports cars and saloons. The marque is synonymous with motorsport success and elegant British design.
Evolution Summary:
The Mark X (later known as the 420G) was Jaguar's flagship saloon. It evolved from the Mark IX, offering a longer wheelbase, independent rear suspension, and updated styling. The later 4.2-liter engine and improved interior appointments marked significant updates.
Production Location:
Coventry, England
Production Years:
1961-1970 (Mark X and 420G)
Contemporary Reviews:
The Mark X was generally praised for its performance, comfort, and luxurious styling, often being referred to as 'the best car in the world' in contemporary automotive press for its blend of sports car dynamics and luxury saloon features.
Original Factory Standard:
This manual is stated to be the same used in local service/repair shops, implying it adheres to factory standards and is an original Jaguar workshop manual.
