Beschreibung:

1958 JAGUAR MK VIII Registration No. 752 RMX Chassis No. 763951 DN Engine No. NA 2307-8 Silver grey with red leather upholstery. Engine: six cylinder, twin overhead camshaft, 3,442cc; Gearbox: four speed manual with overdrive unit; Brakes: Girling hydraulic with servo assistance; Suspension: independent front, semi-elliptical rear. Right hand drive. The mid-1950s was an exciting time for Jaguar Cars Limited with international success at Le Mans and Reims as well as rally success in the Monte Carlo Rally; the XK Series of cars were already well established, selling well in both the home and North American markets and these were complemented by the range of large saloons, notably the Mk VII, VIIM, Mk VIII and Mk IX. There was also a new small saloon, first shown at the 1955 Earls Court Show which had a 2 litre version of the XK engine fitted. Despite the size of the Mk VII, performance was not compromised and a top speed of 100mph was no mean achievement for both the period and type of car. Lively acceleration was another virtue, whilst interior appointments were lavish with walnut woodwork dash surround and door cappings and leather seats. By the end of 1956 the Mk VIII was available and although it shared the family shape was subtly different, featuring now a one-piece curved windscreen, re-styled radiator grille and chrome embellishments along the wing line. The rear wheel spats were now stylishly cut away and the majority of the Mk VIIIs were painted in two-tone, although this was not always ordered. Mechanically, the car had an improved compression ratio, whilst seating for the automatic models was of a single bench type with individual front seats for the manual transmission cars. Further quality improvements were the fold-down picnic tables fitted to the rear of the front seats, standard heater, electric clock and wool carpeting. Only 6,200 or so of the Mk VIII were made before the advent of the 3.8 litre Mk IX in 1959. This outstanding example was purchased by the present owner in 1989 to complement his growing Jaguar collection, and sent to English Classic Cars for a complete restoration. Consequently some £38,000 was spent, the result being a car of exceptional quality and one that, six years on, still remains in superb condition. The car has silver grey paintwork with red leather interior upholstery and trim; this is complemented by red carpeting and outstanding woodwork on the instrument surround, picnic tables and door cappings. The quality of the interior is exceptional and difficult to fault. A further feature is the sliding steel sunroof. The car also has a manual gearbox with overdrive fitted and is therefore a rare derivative and one that will appeal to the discerning Jaguar enthusiast. Upon inspection, the Jaguar started first time and ticked over evenly with a familiar rasp from the stainless steel exhaust. The car has an MoT certificate valid until the Spring of next year, as well as a V5 registration document and old-style log book. Mk VIII Jaguars are only occasionally offered at auction and this fine example deserves close inspection.