Jaguar 2.4 & 3.4 Mk 1 Saloon - A Brief History

The Jaguar 2.4 litre saloon was not only Jaguars first compact saloon car, but it was also their first car of unitary construction. It was introduced in September 1955 to extend Jaguars range of cars to cater for those who wanted the performance and luxury of the larger Jaguar saloons in a smaller car with a lower price. The 2.4 saloon (later to be known as the Mk I after the introduction of the famous Mk II Jaguar in 1959) could seat 5 adults in comfort in its deceptively roomy and well appointed interior. It was powered a reduced capacity version of the twin overhead cam XK engine that had powered all Jaguars since 1948. The 2.4 was joined by a 3.4 litre version from February 1957. This car delivered astounding performance with acceleration that very few manufacturers could match. The car was more or less an instant success, and sold well on both sides of the Atlantic. As with many other Jaguar cars of the time, the 3.4 litre saloon was very successful in motor sport, and achieved many victories both on a national, and international level throughout its production.

2.4

3.4

1955 - 1959

1957 - 1959

4 door saloon, all steel unitary construction

15ft 0.75 in

15ft 0.75 in

5ft 6.75 in

5ft 6.75 in

3029lb

3025lb

2483cc 6 cylinder inline, twin ohc

3442cc 6 cylinder inline, twin ohc

112 bhp @ 5750 rpm

210 bhp @ 5500 rpm

140lb ft @ 2000 rpm

215lb ft @ 3000 rpm

4 speed manual with overdrive

4 speed manual with overdrive

Rear

Rear

Drums all round, all disc option from 1957

Coil & Wishbone

Coil & wishbone

Leaf spring, live axle

Leaf spring, live axle

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