1961-1965 Jaguar Mark X

The 1961-1965 Jaguar Mark X is the largest Jaguar sedan ever, completely different from its Mark IX predecessor in styling and chassis design. Body-on-frame construction was replaced by a massive unitized structure with coil-spring independent rear suspension like that of the E-Type. 

1963 Jaguar Mark X sedan.

Offered in these years with the 3.8-liter version of the famous twincam XK engine, and came equipped with power steering and Borg-Warner automatic transmission. It was almost as large as some full-size American cars of the period, but managed to look smaller because of the traditionally graceful Jaguar styling.

Its appearance was much more modern than the Mark IX's, too, with straight-through fenders (no hint of separate "wings" remained), a tapering tail, and a sloping front end with a shallower grille. The interior had all the usual Jaguar accouterments: wood-faced dash bristling with switches and dials and comfy seats upholstered in genuine leather. A few Mark Xs were fitted with a division window and sold as limousines.

Despite its size, this big cat could reach 120 mph, though it wasn't terribly quick off the line. Not many were sold in the U.S.

Pluses of the 1961-1965 Jaguar Mark X:

• Roomy, comfortable highway car 
• Nice blend of modern and traditional styling 
• Lovely XK engine 
• Well-equipped 
• Handling (despite size) 
• Not too costly to buy 
• Milestone status

Minuses of the 1961-1965 Jaguar Mark X:

• Rusts easily 
• Trim and body parts in short supply 
• Poor mileage 
• Underpowered for give-and-take traffic 
• May be too large for some 
• Depreciating lately, to virtual bargain status

Production of the 1961-1965 Jaguar Mark X:
12,977

Specifications of the 1961-1965 Jaguar Mark:
Length, inches: 202.0
Wheelbase, inches: 120.0
Weight, pounds: 4,175
Price, new: Approx. $7,000 (U.S.)

Engines for the1961-1965 Jaguar Mark:

Type : dohc I-6 (231)

Size : 3781

Horsepower : 265

Years : 1961-1965

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1965-1970 Jaguar Mark X & 420G

1965-1970 Jaguar Mark X 420G were continuations of Jaguar's larger sedan, now with the larger 4.2-liter version of the faithful dohc six specified for the E-Type beginning in 1965.

Though a manual gearbox was available, most of these cars had Borg-Warner's three-speed automatic. The standard power steering system was also revised. There were no visual changes compared to the "Series 1" Mark X. The result was a more torquey and flexible limousine-like Jaguar.

The model was renamed 420G beginning in 1967 to bring nomenclature into line with that of the smaller 240/340/420 sedans based on the Mark II platform.

Appearance changes were confined to thin chrome side moldings and a more formal upright grille. After 1967, the 420G was effectively withdrawn from the U.S. market (though it continued overseas until about 1970), leaving Jaguar without a prestige offering until the arrival of the XJ6, which replaced both the Mark X and the compact S-Type/420 series.

Pluses of the 1965-1970 Jaguar Mark X & 420G :

• Roomy, comfortable highway car 
• Nice blend of modern and traditional styling 
• Lovely XK engine 
• Well-equipped 
• Handling (despite size) 
• Not too costly to buy
• Greater low-end torque for easier city driving 
• Mark X a Milestone car

Minuses of the 1965-1970 Jaguar Mark X & 420G:

• Rusts easily 
• Trim and body parts in short supply 
• Poor mileage 
• Underpowered for give-and-take traffic 
• May be too large for some 
• Depreciating lately, to virtual bargain status

Production of the 1965-1970 Jaguar Mark X & 420G:

• Mark X: 5,680
• 420G: 5,554

Specifications of the 1965-1970 Jaguar Mark X & 420G:
Length, inches: 202.0
Wheelbase, inches: 120.0
Weight, pounds: 4,300
Price, new: N/A

Engines for the 1965-1970 Jaguar Mark X & 420G:

Type : dohc I-6 (258)

Size : 4235

Horsepower : 265

Years : 1965-1970

More about → 1965-1970 Jaguar Mark X & 420G