Image of 1959 Jaguar Mark Ix, sourced from www.supercars.net , Image Link.

Introduction

The 1959 Jaguar Mark IX is a testament to the golden era of British luxury motoring, a time when elegance and performance were seamlessly intertwined. Born from the storied lineage of Jaguar Cars Ltd., this classic saloon was the epitome of sophistication and a symbol of status. Its historical significance lies not only in its luxury but also in its role as one of the last large sedans before the company's transition to more modern models. A unique fact that sets the Mark IX apart is its selection as the official car for the British Prime Minister and royal family during its time, underscoring its prestige.

Design and Innovation

The exterior of the 1959 Jaguar Mark IX is a visual feast, with sleek lines that convey motion even at a standstill. Its imposing grille and leaping Jaguar hood ornament are iconic, while the chrome bumpers and wire wheels accentuate its grandeur. Inside, passengers are cocooned in opulence with rich leather seats, polished wood veneers, and wool carpets. Technologically ahead of its time, it featured power steering, a first for Jaguar, and a four-wheel disc braking system that was revolutionary. Color options ranged from stately blacks and silvers to more adventurous two-tones, with British Racing Green being a particularly popular choice. The most iconic body style was the four-door saloon, which exuded luxury and practicality.

Historical Significance

The Mark IX's impact on automotive design was profound; it set standards for luxury features that would become commonplace in future generations of cars. It distinguished itself from contemporaries with its remarkable combination of high-end amenities and performance capabilities, leaving a lasting influence on both Jaguar's design ethos and the broader automotive industry.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its refined exterior, the 1959 Jaguar Mark IX boasted impressive performance credentials. With a top speed of around 110 mph and an acceleration from 0-60 mph in approximately 11 seconds, it was no slouch for its size. The car's handling was remarkable for such a large sedan, absorbing bumps gracefully while maintaining composure on winding roads. Driving this car was an auditory delight; the burble of its 3.8-liter inline-six engine was music to any enthusiast's ears, while the ride quality spoke volumes about Jaguar's mastery over luxury engineering.

Ownership Experience

Owners of the 1959 Jaguar Mark IX enjoyed it as a daily driver or as a showpiece at classic car events. Though maintenance could be demanding due to its age and complexity, many parts remain available thanks to a dedicated enthusiast community. The vehicle's reliability is typical for its era; regular care is essential but rewarding for those who appreciate classic craftsmanship.

Fun Facts

The Mark IX has graced many collections worldwide, including those of celebrities like Frank Sinatra. While not known for breaking speed records, it held a reputation for endurance and reliability in long-distance touring. Criticisms often centered around fuel consumption—a common trait among vehicles of its class—and the size which could make maneuvering in tight spaces challenging.

Collector's Information

In today's market, a well-preserved 1959 Jaguar Mark IX can fetch anywhere from $20,000 to $60,000 or more depending on condition and provenance. Approximately 10,000 units were produced during its three-year production run from 1959 to 1961. As with many classic cars, values have generally appreciated over time as these vehicles become rarer and more sought after by collectors.

Conclusion

The 1959 Jaguar Mark IX is more than just a car; it's an artifact of automotive history that represents the pinnacle of British luxury in the post-war era. Its blend of elegance, innovation, and performance cements its place as one of the most desirable Jaguars ever made—a true jewel in any collector's crown.

1959 Jaguar Mark IX Upper and Lower Ball Joint Boot. 5/8" upper I.D-BN 101-AUpper and Lower Ball Joint Boot. 5/8" upper I.D., 1-1/2" bottom I.D., 7/8" high. Each

1959 Jaguar Mark IX Roll Bar Bushing. 1/2" high, with 1/2" hole. Each-BN 2Roll Bar Bushing. 1/2" high, with 1/2" hole. Each

1959 Jaguar Mark IX Auto Brake Pedal Pad. 3-1/4" wide X 5-1/2" long. Each-CB 75-BAuto Brake Pedal Pad. 3-1/4" wide X 5-1/2" long. Each

1959 Jaguar Mark IX Gas Tank Filler Cap Seal. Fits on washer. Dome shaped-GF 51Gas Tank Filler Cap Seal. Fits on washer. Dome shaped. 1-3/4" I.D., 2-1/2" O.D. Each

1959 Jaguar Mark IX Door Handle Pads. 1-1/8" wide X 2-5/8" long. 4-Piece Set-MP 799-JJDoor Handle Pads. 1-1/8" wide X 2-5/8" long. 4-Piece Set

1959 Jaguar Mark IX Turn Signal Pads. Exact reproduction. 3-1/4" O.D. Pair-MP 799-ZZTurn Signal Pads. Exact reproduction. 3-1/4" O.D. Pair

1959 Jaguar Mark IX Spark plug wire boot. Exclusive Metro part-RP 1-KSpark plug wire boot. Exclusive Metro part. Fits on the distributor cap end. Note: looks similar to coil boot, but is physically smaller. Replaces OEM# CO 2609. Each.

1959 Jaguar Mark IX Jack Socket Plug. Up to 4 used per car. 1" I.D-RP 90-CJack Socket Plug. Up to 4 used per car. 1" I.D., 3" total length. Each