Introduced in 1961, birth year of the immortal E-Type , the unibody Mark X replaced the staid-looking Mark IX. It was the marque's top-of-the-line model, designed to compete with Rolls Royce and Bentley in the home market and to attract an affluent American clientele as well.
Super Rare 4-speed Overdrive:
1966 Jaguar Mark X
Please wait a few moments while our high-resolution photos load.
Mouse Over the Photos to Enlarge.
The car's distinctive, horseshoe-shaped, slightly forward leaning grille with its fine vertical vanes, flanked by four round headlights, set the tone for Jaguar's sedan design for decades to come.
Our MK X hails from the second series, produced from autumn 1964 onward.
The majestic car was sold new in Frankfurt, Germany by the late Peter Lindner's Jaguar dealership; like so many others, it was purchased by an American serviceman who eventually returned to California, his prized possession in tow.
And yes, it's THE Peter Lindner of "Low Drag" lightweight E-type fame; he was Jaguar's general importer for Germany. Car still features matching numbers and Lindner's German-spec chassis plate as well.
By 1964, the impressive-looking E-Type engine used in the Mark X had been enlarged to 4.2 Liters capacity. The 8:1 compression version seen here (able to run on regular gas) produced 250 horsepower aided by the battery of three big SU carbs fed fresh air via an airbox that inhaled through a screen near the right front wheel well. Being a 120mph Autobahn Stormer was quite a feat in its day, especially for a very large car like the Mark 10.
Quite unusual for a vintage Jaguar, this 'un doesn't leak any fluids.
Having spent almost all of its 53 years in sunny California, the big cat's coachwork has survived admirably. The car appears wonderfully straight, with just a few small dings from age and use. Best of all, there are no rust bubbles, anywhere!
Jag's sumptuous interior was the recipient of a very expensive refurbish, not too long ago. Elegant, beige wool headliner looks perfect and the sun visors have been redone, too.
Sure, the MK X was a very modern, innovative automobile. Sir William Lyons nevertheless continued to keep a small army of carpenters busy at his Coventry factory, as the car was manufactured with an abundance of classic wood trim inside, including the complete dashboard, front window trim, door top rails and side window surrounds, a pair of large, bookmatched fold-out rear picnic tables, and a front pull-out picnic table beneath the central gauge cluster.
Check out the huge bakelite steering wheel with chrome horn ring and Jaguar motif badge. Just like the remainder of the instrument panel, gauges and switchgear, everything is in excellent original condition.
All lights and gauges work well. The big Jag has dual fuel tanks, switchable right on the dash. Note dealer-installed German BLAUPUNKT 4-band radio, quite an expensive option, back then.
Impressive wood trim, chrome-rimmed speaker grilles. New, dark red, short pile, Wilton-style carpeting looks wonderful.
Red leather upholstery has been replaced to factory spec at a cost of over $6,500.00.
Jag's interior has room for six and looks truly spectactular.
Bookmatched burlwood picknick tables with built-in vanity mirrors.
Every bit as luxurious as a Rolls Royce, the MK X is the perfect Gran Tourisme automobile.
Cool Ice Green metallic, its original color, is a fitting period hue for the big cat. Finish has some age to it but still looks great. There's absolutely no evidence of any prior rust or accident damage.
We've just had front and rear bumpers and all four bumper guards triple chrome plated, quite a large expense but so worth it!
Trunk compartment, fully clad with tan HARDURA material, is extra spacious. Spare tire has a cover, too. Original jacking equipment is included.
Rust free trunk floor.
Jag's bottom is a treat of its own. Even in sunny Southern California you'll be hard pressed to find such a perfectly undisturbed original undercarriage on a 53 year-old British car.
Monday, September 9 was another fine late-summer day here in Ventura and we were ready to enjoy a nice cruise in the big Mark 10.
The car literally starts at the touch of a button. The three SU carburetttors make an audible sound inhaling the fuel mixture, the exhaust rumbles ever so faintly. Car idles, runs, drives, steers, handles and brakes great.
Mark X is a delight to pilot, be it around town or on the freeway.
The car features a very modern -- for the time -- suspension layout as it was the first mass-produced sedan that came with fully independent rear suspension and -- rear inboard -- 4-wheel, power assisted disc brakes. A few 4.2-liter models boasted of Jaguar's fully synchronized 4-speed manual gearbox. This one also has the optional (working!) overdrive.
Returning home, we are in love with this Jaguar. It's a peasure to look at and to be seen in. It has plenty of panache and is surrounded by a bit of a mysterious aura. A car like this could be owned by a villain or a statesman, it will definitely belong to a special person.
If you are a purveyor of the rare and unusual, the highly coveted 4-speed O/D Mark X might be just your ticket to happiness. It's a well-sorted and well-loved automobile and you'll never see another one like it!
Walkaround Video
Addendum:
We sold this Jaguar in 2019.
Back to Californiaclassix' Hall of Fame or Home.