Jaguar MkI & MkII

Jaguar MkI & MkII Tyres

Crossply Tyres

15" Rim Size

Radial Tyres

15" Rim Size

The Jaguar MkI was fitted with a Dunlop RS5 640H15 cross ply tyre.

The best radial alternative for non power steering cars is a Michelin XAS 180H15 radial tyres.

The Jaguar MkII was originally fitted with Dunlop SP Sport Aquajet 185HR15 radial tyres or as an optional upgrade the Michelin 185HR15 XVS radial tyres or 185VR15 Pirelli Cinturato ™.

Check out this fantastic You Tube video featuring an E Type Jaguar fitted with the 185VR15 Pirelli Cinturato ™ tyres.

MkI & MkII Jaguar History

The Jaguar 2.4 saloon (or Mark 1 as it would latterly be known) was launched at the 1955 Motor Show as a car to fill the gap between the sporting XK series and the luxury MkVII in the Jaguar stable. Jaguar had realised that there was a large sector of the public that required an affordable quality motor car and new they where more than capable of coming up with the goods.

This car was to be Jaguar (and William Lyons) first attempt at monocoque construction, and as such was very over engineered.

The Jaguar 2.4 was equipped with a short stroke version of the legendary XK six cylinder twin cam engine (hence the 2.4 name), and acres of leather and wood to cosset those inside! This could not, however, detract from the fact that the 2.4 litre car was only able to give its owner "grace and space".

To combat this, and give the Jaguar its "pace", a 3.4 litre version of the car was introduced in 1957. Disc brakes became available shortly afterwards!!

Production of the Jaguar Mark 1 continued until 1960, with over 35,000 examples having rolled off the production line at Browns Lane (despite the disastrous factory fire in 1957).

By this time Jaguar had learnt a great deal about the chassis-less (monocoque) construction methods used with the Mk1. This knowledge was put to good use in designing the Mk2 bodyshell. The large windscreen pillars of the early car were replaced with a narrower design (as the shell was more than rigid enough) this helped to make the interior feel more spacious and improved visibility.

There was a wider track for the rear of the car to improve on the limit handling and 4 wheel disc brakes (courtesy of Dunlop) were a standard option. The 2.4 and 3.4 models continued as before, but were also joined with what is now considered to be the cream of the crop, the 3.8.

Jaguar Mk2s were popular with high-speed drivers, such as bank robbers, the police and racing drivers. The MkII also was extremely succesful as a racing car (until the arrival of the Ford Galaxie).

All three versions of XK powered Mk2 where available from Jaguar showrooms until 1968 (the 2.4, downgraded somewhat thanks to cheaper interior trim and slim bumpers, was re-badged as the 240 and soldiered on until 1969), when the sensational XJ6 hit the forecourts, designed to replace not just the Mk2, but also the 420 and epic Mk10/420G saloons.

MkI & MkII Jaguar Wheels

If you would like to have the ultimate wire wheel upgrade then please click here for information on Borrani wheels.