In the early 50's, Jaguar was a strong brand that specializes in upscale cars. Its range was composed basically two product lines, the series of large sedans began with the MK V and XK 120 sports in its different forms, so its main niche of the market was overseas, particularly the United States. Aware that this strategy are yielding good returns but If you arrive in a recession would be greatly affected, Coventry executives began to think about a new product range to a wider audience and could sell well in the domestic market. Jaguar presented at the London Motor Show of 1955, MKI 2.4, a compact sedan that without being a strictly family car, it was perfect for daily use. Its attractive design and monocoque construction marked a before and after in the history of the signing of the cat. The lines of its body had some influence of his older brothers, the MK VII-VIII-IX, but the front was clearly inspired by the sporty XK 120, which made MK I had a very agile and dynamic. In fact, compared with its main rivals in the domestic market, the Standard Vanguard, the Rover P4 and the Humber, the MK I was much more advanced technically
The first units were equipped with a more compact version of the XK six-cylinder engine that cubed 2.4 liters, yielding 122 horsepower that gave him a pretty decent performance. A gearbox mounted four-speed manual drum brakes. Was easily distinguishable by bear covered rear wheels and steel wheels.
But the most interesting came in 1957 with the advent of the MK I 3.4 equipped with the Twin Cam motor sports XK 3.4 liters and 210 horsepower. His aesthetic of 2.4 differed in several details, like a slightly wider front grille, radio alloy wheels, bumpers surround and the rear wheels uncovered. The disc brakes were now the gearbox and four-speed overdrive incorporated a system of gearing down of the fourth gear to lower engine speed on the highway. The models for the U.S. market were equipped with an automatic gearbox Borg-Warner three-speed. Its performance could be categorized as excellent for its time because it was able to reach 190 Km / H.
Besides being an excellent car router, Jaguar MK I achieved major successes in the competition, both in the championship rallies and touring car racing in the hands of drivers such as Sir Stirling Moss, Roy Salvadori and Tommy Sopwith. But if there is one person that linked its name to Jaguar MK I was the world champion Formula 1 1958 Mike Hawthorne, who was killed with his highly modified in the bypass of Guildford in Surrey, on 22 January 1959. Although Hawthorne won the World F-1 1958 with Ferrari, his career was always closely linked with Jaguar, the brand won the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The Jaguar MK I was always overshadowed by his successor, MK II, which can be distinguished by having the door frames finest and, therefore, a more graceful and elegant. This factor was also evident in the miniatures market, because while we have the MK II is available in various manufacturers, the supply in the case of the MK I has been more limited, in fact, until it appeared there was only Neo two available, one Minimarque Eligor and another one with a very poor quality and one at an astronomical price. This model of Neo receives a warm welcome from collectors as it has a really good level of finish. We emphasize that Neo has opted for a version 3.4 with a very racing finish, distinguishable by the spoked wheels painted in body color. In the interior elements finished in imitation of wood. In my case, thanks to the MK I close a chapter in my collection, the Jaguar sedan, having achieved all that interested me.
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