Jaguar Mark Ten Saloon : 1961

The Jaguar Mark X (pronounced Jaguar mark ten) was the largest saloon car built by the British manufacturer Jaguar, and was originally aimed at the United States market. It long held the record for being the widest production Jaguar ever built. It succeeded the Jaguar Mark IX as the company's large saloon model.

Launched in 1961, the same year as the E-type, this was a luxury saloon (some would say majestic) with a hand-built appearance.

With its bulging sides - it was over 6 foot wide and almost 17 foot long - it was hard to believe this car was mass-produced.

Its opulent interior incorporated an abundance of leather and walnut and the prestige of owning one was akin to ownership of a Rolls Royce. The automatic gear change was situated on the steering column and it could rocket from 0-60 in around 10 seconds.

In 1966, the Mark Ten was strangely renamed the 420G. A total of 25,000 were manufactured until 1970 and was the forerunner to the XJ6.

(source: Art Of Motoring).

The suspension was independent all round with coil springs at the front. Two engine sizes were offered with 3781 cc until 1964 when the larger 4235 cc unit took over. Manual, manual with overdrive and automatic transmissions were options but most cars left the factory with the automatic choice of box.