The 365 Oldtimer Museum also houses two examples of the same car series, the Jaguar Mark IX series. We bring some interesting facts about this type in this article.

Since its inception, Jaguar has always targeted the luxury and upmarket car market. Marked Mark IX (Roman 9), the car was produced from 1958 to 1961, and 10,009 examples rolled off the production line in that relatively short time. Production took place in Coventry, England. Its launch was announced on 8 October 1958. In the same year, a test car reached a speed of 184 km/h, remarkable for the car’s styling, proportions and weight (the latter 1814 kg). 

The Mark IX was a four-door luxury saloon, an early version of which was identical in appearance to its predecessor, the Mark VIII. The differences were based on mechanical changes: the Mark IX was powered by a more powerful engine with 220 bhp, uprated to 3.8 litres, and had 4 disc brakes and power steering, which were a major advance in the late 1950s, if only because they were not available in all cars.

The sunroof has become a standard feature of the UK market. The interior highlights the luxury of the car, with leather seats and walnut trim throughout. A number of one and two-tone paint schemes were offered.

In the luxury car market, the Jaguar Mk IX was competitively priced, making it popular with civilians, but it soon became popular as a government car. The Nigerian government, for example, bought forty Mark IXs, painted in green and white state colours, and for many years they strengthened its representative fleet. 

It is not surprising that the British royal family also liked these luxury cars, as they are a highly prestigious brand. The late Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth, mother of the late Queen Elizabeth II, bought a Jaguar Mark VII M car in 1955 for private purposes. It was burgundy in colour and the Queen used it until 1973. It underwent several exterior modifications to make it look more like a Mark IX Jaguar. This car is currently on display as part of the Jaguar Heritage Collection at the British Motor Museum.   

The Mark IX has a place on the racetrack, where its power, good braking and stunning aesthetics make it a favourite for classic car racing, such as the Goodwood Circuit Revival.

Its successor, the Mark X Jaguar, had a flatter, lower profile. 

If you want to see an early and later example of the Jaguar Mark IX series, as well as many other Jaguar and British car specialities, don’t delay, visit the 365 Oldtimer Museum in Budapest, next to the Kolosy Square bus turnaround.