1969 Jaguar 420G Saloon

Description

over the outgoing Mark 7-9 range, with monocoque construction resulting in a much lower, sleeker shape that foreshadowed the styling for future generations of Jaguar. Another advance was the adoption of fully independent rear suspension and, with most of its the running gear shared with the E-Type, it's little wonder the Mark 10 proved remarkably rapid for such a big car. The 3.8-litre six-cylinder motor boasted triple carburettors and 265 horsepower, enough to propel the Big Cat to indecent speeds, while the handling was surprisingly sure-footed. The Mark 10 was - until the advent of the XJ220 supercar three decades later - the widest British car ever made. The interior was beautifully finished in rich leather hides, timber and high-quality carpeting, while features like the folding picnic tables set into the front seats gave the cabin a really special ambience. In 1964 Jaguar's XK engine was taken out to 4.2-litres, principally to improve low-range torque, which rose from 265 to 283 lb/ft at 4000 rpm, although power remained the same. In due course, the Mark 10 was replaced by the 420G, announced in October 1966 concurrently with the new 420 and Sovereign models. Mechanically as before, the 420G's principal changes concerned the exterior - with a chrome strip running the full length of the bodywork, new wheel trims and a revised grille - while inside the dash received a padded roll with a centre-mounted clock. With so few good examples surviving - too many have been broken for parts over the years, with the IRS particularly prized by hot-rodders - Jaguar fans are now coming to appreciate the many virtues of these big cats. Representing fantastic value for money today, the 420G has a real presence on the road and owning one has never been more rewarding.