Chev-Powered Brit: 1963 Jaguar Mark X Saloon

Hiding in this garage is a British classic with a sense of presence. This 1963 Jaguar Mark X Saloon was recently laid low by a minor mechanical issue, but addressing the problem should be straightforward. The dry location and garage-kept history have left it rock-solid. The engine bay houses a Chevrolet small-block, bringing together British charm with a local twist. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Bryan C, who describes it as a “cool old Jag.” I can’t help but agree.

Jaguar introduced the Mark X in 1961, with its front-end styling marking the first appearance of a distinctive look that would serve the company faithfully for over half a century. The company also departed from the existing body-on-frame production techniques, adopting a unibody approach with its latest model. That makes our feature car’s history vitally important for potential buyers. It has spent its life in a dry location and has always been garage-kept. That leaves it rust-free and rock-solid, meaning the Jag is structurally sound. The Yellow paint holds a pleasant shine, but not a mirror glow as seen on many classics. However, it would be interesting to take to the exterior with a high-quality polish to see if that improves its presentation. The trim is acceptable for a survivor-grade classic, and the glass is free from defects. The seller indicates they removed much of the weatherstripping due to severe deterioration. That means the new owner must source and install replacements to keep dust and moisture at bay. These items are readily available, and addressing this issue won’t break the bank.

The Mark X’s interior is typical Jaguar fare, with acres of timber and leather to provide a luxurious motoring experience. The seller’s photos are limited, but they paint a generally positive impression. The timber veneer finish appears to exhibit some deterioration, but it isn’t cracked or split. The upholstered surfaces seem to be in good order, although the lack of a front seat image leaves us in the dark. The wheel center is missing, but the interior is otherwise complete. The bookmatched fold-out rear tables add to the luxury impression, while front seat occupants receive a slide-out picnic table that is stowed below the gauges.

The Mark X was considered a large car by prevailing British standards, especially since the country’s roads played host to thousands of Morris Minors and Minis. A big car needs a good engine to provide acceptable performance, and Jaguar came to the party with the same DOHC 3.8-liter six that saw service in the legendary E-Type. It produced 266hp and 260 ft/lbs of torque while shifting duties fell to either a three-speed automatic or a four-speed manual with optional overdrive. The company treated the Mark X as a total package, utilizing a modified version of its independent rear suspension and four-wheel disc brakes. Much water has passed under the bridge since our feature car rolled off the line, and the sweet six left the building in favor of a 350ci Chevrolet V8 bolted to a three-speed automatic. This is a fairly common conversion and should reduce future maintenance and servicing costs. The seller indicates that the Jag was laid low around nine months ago by a leaking power steering seal. That is the only known mechanical issue, meaning that returning it to its rightful place on our roads should be fairly straightforward and inexpensive.

The seller listed this 1963 Jaguar Mark X Saloon here on Facebook Marketplace in Pflugerville, Texas. Their price of $11,000 looks affordable on the surface, although the new owner must spend a few extra dollars to return it to active service and replace the missing weatherstripping. However, it is rust-free, and the small-block should help minimize future maintenance bills. It has been on the market for about a week, but do you think it will find a new home?