Highlights

Lived in the dining room of a French chateau for most of its life
Original RHD car with desirable 3.4L MOD specification
Recent recommissioning
Matching numbers car with two reported keeprers
Fuel lines renewed
Thorough overhaul with new Brake lines and handbrake cables
New discs and pads all round
Rare Factory lavender over red leather colour way

The Appeal

Many cars come to market equipped with fascinating histories. But few can rival this 1957 Mk1’s remarkable backstory.

It was delivered new to Henlys’ Bournemouth showroom before finding its way, in 1962, to the dining room of a French chateau near Avignon. There it lived for many years, carefully avoiding rain and inclement roads, before being repatriated to the UK in September 2023. The seller reports it has had just two keepers, including the present.

The car presents ‘as new’ in fetching lavender reflecting the fields of the chateau outside the dining room.- plus an interior refresh and retrim by a well known Midlands specialist. The result is a car in very good order inside and out. It is matching numbers too, retaining its desirable 3.4L straight six XK unit with manual overdrive ‘Moss’ box.

The displayed mileage of 56,113 miles cannot be verified but the history indicates it could be genuine. Recent mechanical work includes new fuel lines and an overhauled braking system. The car is said to be in ‘fantastic’ running order.

The Mk1 shrunk the luxury and performance of Jaguar’s big saloons and sports cars into a stylish and compact model. Just look at the sculptural lines of this one and you can see why they remain so in demand. It is a rare and fascinating find.

The History and Paperwork

First registered in late 1957
JDHT certificate show June 1957 date of manufacture and despatch
The same paperwork confirms this as a RHD UK market MOD car
Originally Cornish Grey with red leather interior
Reported to be a matching numbers car by seller
Photographs show original VEL168 plates
Car is currently registered on plate 503XWA
Vendor reports that DVLA cannot find the original registration details
With more time the buyer may wish to pursue this to marry the car with its original plate
Stored in the dining room of a French chateau near Avignon from 1962 according to seller
Reportedly never used in rain or inclement weather due to this storage
Factory handbooks and paperwork as shown in photographs
V5C in vendor’s name
Registered as a Historic Vehicle which is MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
Vendor reports that the car has had two keepers but this cannot be verified
UK re-registered 1st September 2023 with 1 keeper since arrival in the UK

The Condition

Fantastic bodywork and paintwork with lavender colour finish
Body and chassis described as ‘the best I’ve ever seen’ by seller
Bodywork presents extremely well as shown in photographs
Some minor points to note on paintwork
Original chromework generally well kept with some tarnish visible
Chrome wire wheels with light tarnish to note in photographs
Tyres in good condition and reported to be new and unused
Glasswork and lights in good order with no obvious damage
Underside presents well commensurate with heated indoor storage
Mix of original and retrimmed interior using well known Midlands trimmer
Factory correct red leather cabin in good order with obvious investment
Original and lightly refurbished seats
Headlining and carpets retrimmed to a high standard
Wood veneers very well kept across dashboard and doors
Original dials in good order with light misting to glass shrouds in photos
Four-spoke factory steering wheel in good order
Carpets in very good order through cabin

The Mechanics

Matching numbers engine and gearbox
Low mileage could be genuine based on history
3.4L XK straight-six Jaguar engine
4spd manual Moss gearbox with factory overdrive
Described as being in ‘fantastic’ mechanical condition
Fuel lines, brake lines, callipers and pads recently replaced
Handbrake cable replaced
New stainless steel exhaust system fitted
No reported running or driving issues

BEFORE YOU BUY

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✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

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