Production years: 1955 - 1959

Based on a unitary (chassisless) construction and with similar styling to the other models, the XK engine was produced in a smaller 2.4 litre capacity for the new model, announced for the 1956 model year as the 2.4 litre saloon. Initially with drum brakes, by 1957 a larger 3.4 litre engined version became available with subtle styling changes and disc brakes became a standard fit. The cars stayed in production until 1959.

Model Summary

Model Type:

Compact Jaguar Saloons

Production Dates:

1955 - 1959

Engine Range:

2.4 Litre Saloon

3.4 Litre Saloon

0 - 60 mph:

2.4 Litre Saloon - 14.4 seconds

3.4 Litre Saloon - 9.1 seconds

Top Speed:

2.4 Litre Saloon - 101.5 mph

3.4 Litre Saloon - 120 mph

2 4 Litre Mark 1
3 4 Litre Mark 1
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MK 1 Technical Specifications

Technical Information

Engine Statistics

  2.4 Litre Saloon
Engine (cc) 2483
Bore and Stroke (mm) 83 x 76.5
Compression Ratio 8:1 (7:1 optional)
BHP 112
@ RPM 5750
Torque (lb ft) 140
@ RPM 2000
Fuelling 2x Solex carbs
  3.4 Litre Saloon
Engine (cc) 3442
Bore and Stroke (mm) 83 x 106
Compression Ratio 8:1 (7:1/9:1 optional)
BHP 210
@ RPM 5500
Torque (lb ft) 216
@ RPM 3000
Fuelling 2x SU carbs

Engine Performance

  2.4 Litre Saloon
Top Speed 101.5 mph
0 - 60 mph 14.4 seconds
Fuel Consumption 18.3 mpg
  3.4 Litre Saloon
Top Speed 120 mph
0 - 60 mph 9.1 seconds
Fuel Consumption 15-22 mpg

Model Specifications

  2.4 Litre Saloon
Transmission 4-speed (3 synchro) Later BW 3-speed auto
Wheel Size (in) 15, steel, wires optional
Suspension (Front) Ind semi-trailing wishbone, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Suspension (Rear) Live axle, Panhard rod, leaf springs
Brakes 4-wheel drum, later 4-wheel disc
  3.4 Litre Saloon
Transmission 4-speed (3 synchro) Later BW 3-speed auto
Wheel Size (in) 15, steel, wires optional
Suspension (Front) Ind semi-trailing wishbone, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Suspension (Rear) Live axle, Panhard rod, leaf springs
Brakes 4-wheel drum, later 4-wheel disc

Model Dimensions

  2.4 Litre Saloon
Length (in) 180.75
Width (in) 66.75
Height (in) 57.5
Wheelbase (in) 107.375
Front Track (in) 54.6
Rear Track (in) 50.25
Weight (Cwt) 27
  3.4 Litre Saloon
Length (in) 180.75
Width (in) 66.75
Height (in) 57.5
Wheelbase (in) 107.375
Front Track (in) 54.6
Rear Track (in) 50.25
Weight (Cwt) 28.5

Optional Extras

All Models

  • Choice of three radio installations with or without rear parcel shelf-mounted speaker
  • Laminated windscreen
  • Chromium-plated wheel rimbellishers for steel wheels
  • Ace Turbo wheel trims for steel wheels
  • Witter tow bar
  • Le Mans 40/45 watt headlight bulbs
  • Locking petrol filler cap
  • Front seat belts
  • Split style front seat arrangement (manual transmission cars)
  • Radiator blind
  • Choice of radial, town and country, or whitewall tyres
  • Borg Warner automatic transmission
  • Overdrive (for non-overdrive-equipped manual transmission car)
  • Wire wheel with conversion kit for hubs, etc.
  • Conversion kit to change drum braked cars to disc-braked
  • Conversion kit to change earlier disc-braked cars to later 'quick change' type
  • High-ratio steering box
  • Lightened flywheel
  • Competition clutch
  • Chrome grab handle to passenger side of dashboard
  • Powr-Lok differential
  • Rear window demister
  • White-finished steering wheel (export)
  • Rheostat for dashboard lighting
  • Vanity mirror for passenger sunvisor
  • Stiffened shock absorbers
  • Heavy duty anti-roll bar
  • Twin windtone horns
  • Close ratio gearbox
  • High-lift camshafts
  • Sundym tinted windscreen
  • Wing mirrors
  • Fire extinguisher

2.4 Litre Saloon

  • Drivers seat bracket to raise seat height
  • Cutaway rear-wheel spats for earlier cars not so fitted
  • Twin pipe exhaust system
  • Gearlever extension piece
  • Stage 1 tuning kit, increasing bhp to 119
  • Stage 2 tuning kit, increasing bhp to 131
  • Stage 3 tuning kit, increasing bhp to 150

3.4 Litre Saloon

  • C-type cylinder head

Chassis Numbers

Model Driver Side Chassis No. Commenced Number made
Jaguar 2.4 (Mark l) RHD 900001 16250
Jaguar 2.4 (Mark l) LHD 940001 3742
Jaguar 3.4 (Mark l) RHD 970001 8945
Jaguar 3.4 (Mark l) LHD 985001 8460

Club Events

Club News

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3 4 Litre Mark 1

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Model Contacts

Patrick Moynihan

Mark 2 Forum Co-ordinator

[email protected]

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