Some cars are deliberately self-effacing, but the Jaguar MkX was never of that ilk and always had an unforgettable presence. David Sefton’s 1965 Opalescent Silver Grey example has an air of command even in repose, and the leaping cat bonnet mascot emphasises a sense that the Jaguar is ready to pounce on any lesser vehicle. It is also a prime example of one of the most intriguingcars to leave Jaguar's Browns Lane factory.
The MkX was the second important Jaguar to debut in 1961, the first being the E-type. When the flagship saloon made its bow at the Earls Court Motor Show, it too caused a sensation. The publicity material claimed that it stemmed 'from a long and illustrious line of outstanding models,' and it was certainly outstanding – not only did it boast the largest unitary bodywork on a British car, but at nearly 6ft 5in across, it was also the widest car made in this country. The elegant coachwork may have been 8½in lower3.8-litre six-cylinder DHOC engine was fitted with three carburettors to compensate for this extra bulk. The specification further included a limited-slip differential and independent rear suspension, which no other sizeable UK-built saloon (bar the Slough-assembled Citroën DS) employed at the time.
