OWNER’S STORY
Incredibly, this 1959 MkIX automatic has had just two owners from new and is in a largely original condition. We explore the history of this extraordinary saloon before taking it for a drive
IT WOULD take a very special car to be 65 years old and remain in a largely original condition. It would take an even more special car to have had just two owners in that time. This MkIX is that car.
By being unrestored, it results in the big saloon having a wonderfully and potentially unique character that most restored examples lose out on.
Registered on 3 February, 1959, it’s a relatively early example of the MkIX that made its debut at the previous year’s Earls Court Motor Show in October.
As an update of the MkVIII, the major difference over the outgoing model was the new 3,781cc version of Jaguar’s familiar XK unit. Producing 220bhp, it was an increase of 10bhp over the 3.4 used by its predecessor. Although when Motor magazine tested an automatic version of the new MkIX in late 1958 its 0-60mph time of 11.6 seconds was roughly the same as what a MkVIII had achieved the previous year, its114mph top speed was a 7.5 percent increase.
The press were impressed by this new car and engine combination. “It was found that the Jaguar would cruise with extraordinary little fuss and effort at 100mph, said Autocar in its 13 March, 1959 issue, “despite the fact that this represents a crankshaft speed of just over 5000rpm, nor were there any signs of distress when the car was held for several mules at its maximum speed.”
Other important updates included disc brakes and Burman power steering both now fitted as standard rather than being optional extras as they had been with previous models. Due to their power, the former were especially welcomed. “The joy of disc brakes lies in their ability to continue receiving hard punishment with scarcely appreciable fade,” continued Autocar.
Physically, other than a small MkIX badge on the rear, the exterior was identical to its predecessor. The interior was also left largely alone with the sole change being the newspaper holder in the rear was now collapsible and lockable. The only other update of note was a welcomed improvement to the heater system.
The car’s price did increase by £165 across the range, though, meaning those with the four-speed non-overdrive manual gearbox were £1,994, overdrive models were £2,062 while automatic versions like the car in question had risen to £2,162.
Little is known about the man who bought the black MkIX apart from one important piece of information; by owning the car for over 45 years and keeping it in an original condition, he clearly loved the car. Yet it’s also clear by the many small rally plaques still attached to the rich, walnut covered dash – the earliest being a Jaguar Drivers’ Club eve
