1961 Jaguar Mk IX

The Jaguar Mk IX is a large luxury saloon car produced by Jaguar Cars between 1959 and 1961. The bodywork was generally similar to its predecessor, but the sunshine roof became a standard fitting for the UK-market. An enlarged-bore, 3.8-litre, double overhead cam, straight-six with twin SUs replaced the 3.4-litre unit of its predecessors. Standard transmission was a 4-speed manual gearbox with an overdrive option, but most cars, including this, were built with a Borg Warner 3-speed automatic box. Four-wheel, servo-assisted Dunlop disc brakes and recirculating-ball power steering were now standard equipment and the torsion bar independent front suspension and leaf-sprung rear live axle were retained from the Mk VIII. With 220bhp, disc brakes all round, 0-60 in 11 seconds and 115mph, the Mk IX was a serious performance saloon.

However, outright performance was not high on the list for most customers who simply wanted to enjoy the style, elegance and comfort of the new Mk IX. The interior was unashamedly luxurious with extensive use of leather, walnut wood trim and deep pile carpet. A range of single and duo-tone paint schemes was offered although the car here looks particularly elegant in a single shade of Claret.

Christened ‘Yobbo’ (Reg. YBO 123), although hardly that, the glorious Mk IX on offer here was professionally restored at no expense-spared by a well-known restorer, and care was taken to ensure great accuracy down to the last detail. The interior is lavish with rich leather, immaculate woodwork and extra thick rugs offering the fortunate occupants first-class travel. Tray tables, a drinks cabinet and a convenient arm rest satisfy the requirements of rear-seat passengers, whilst the driver can enjoy the impressive handling and power from the sonorous XK straight-six.

The car was subsequently sold to another well-known Jaguar enthusiast and a new chapter in Yobbo’s life began. Its new custodian initially spent quite some time on the mechanics, improving the handling, braking etc. A radiator cooling fan was fitted, and a CD-player was installed, discreetly hidden from view. When all was well, he started to enjoy the car, although quite sparingly. In 2013, Yobbo took part in the JEC London to Brighton run and was awarded the top prize of the 'Jaguar most people would like to take home'. Yobbo then repeated the run in 2014 and 2015 and, unbelievably, won the same award both years also – a hat-trick which had never been achieved before!

In 2015, Yobbo was entered in the Mk VII, VIII and IX Class at the main JDC Concours and, what do you know, it won convincingly, which qualified it for the ‘Champion of Champions’ class on the JDC Stand at the NEC. Unfortunately, the car was involved in an isolated incident causing some superficial damage needing repair and some paint rectification, which meant missing the NEC.

In 2016, Yobbo was back to her most beautiful self in time for the main JDC day, and happily won the class for the second year running. This time, it made it to the NEC on the JDC stand and won the Jaguar Mk VII,VIII and IX Class of the ‘Champion of Champions’. It was the only car on the stand that drove under its own steam to and from the exhibition.

Yobbo has attended other smaller events often winning awards, but these are too numerous to list! Very few cars in this price range come close to the levels of comfort, style and performance that comes with this restored Mk IX and, with the minimum amount of fettling, it could be back on the JDC stand once again, receiving the top award.