Jaguar Mark V

Total Production: 10,499 1948 - 1951
The Jaguar Mark V was produced from 1949 through 1951. The series was first introduced in 1948 at a Motor Show where it shared the stage with the breath-taking Jaguar XK120. The Mark V was positioned by Jaguar to retire the aging 1.5-, 2.5-, and 3.5-Litre vehicles which were pre-war designs.

The 2.5-Liter Mark V was the entry-level version of the series. The engine was a design by the Standard Engine Company. Drum brakes could be found on all four corners.

In total, there were 1675 examples produced. The vehicle was available as a 4-door saloon with seating for four. Or a drop-head coupe with two doors and seating for four.
By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2006Jaguar has been producing large, separate chassis saloon vehicles that began with the Mk VII since 1950. The final derivative arrived in the Jaguar Mk IX in 1958 which utilized the famous XK engine which had evolved into a powerful 3.8 liter unit. This engine was enough to haul this large saloon vehicle up to a top speed of 117 mph.

Produced from 1958 until 1961 the Jaguar MK IX had a total production rate of 10,009 units built. Unveiled at the Earls Court London Motor show during the fall of 1958, the MK IX was virtually identical to its predecessor the MK VIII. Most of the mechanics were updates though. The engine capacity was increased to 3.8 liters by the adaption of a 3.8 version of the XK engine, achieved by increasing the stroke from 83mm to 87mm and utilizing a slightly taller block.

Retaining the existing 'B' type cylinder, as fitted to the 3.4 engine in the MK VIII, this engine went on to be fitted to the XK 150 sports vehicle the next year in both standard, and up-rated 'S' state of tune. Upgrading the previous braking system to Dunlop 4 wheel disc system, the power steering was also made available as a standard fitment. Debuting in late models, this system was featured in models of the MK VIII. This was driven by a Hobourn Eaton pump driven by a take-off at the rear of the dynamo.

As it was currently superbly equipped, not much was changed or updated on the interior of the MK VIII. The largest update was the up-rating of the heater system which had previously been criticized as once being marginal. A vast majority of the MK IX's were sold with a dual color scheme with a darker color on top, much like other MK VIII's. Production of the low volume MK VIIIB continued throughout the life of the MK IX.

The body of the Mk IX was identical as the one used on the previous Mk VIII, though the addition of an improved heater and a new badge distinguished it from the previous model. The MK IX came with power steering, all-round disc brakes and a choice of either manual or automatic transmission. This new model was considered to be on the same level as the current Bentley S-type, though it was a third of the price.

In 1961, the Mk IX was finally replaced by the Mk X, which marked the end of a distinguished line of separate chassis Jaguar saloons.

By Jessica Donaldson