Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 115
1958 Jaguar Mark VIII Chassis no. 781185BW
Sold for US$32,480 inc. premium
Lot 115
1958 Jaguar Mark VIII
1958 Jaguar Mark VIII
Chassis no. 781185BW
Chassis no. 781185BW
3442cc Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
210bhp
3-Speed Borg Warner Automatic Transmission
Independent front with Live Rear Axle Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Previously owned by Racer Bob Grossman
*Award winner
*Elegant and usable vintage luxury
*Striking two-tone paint scheme
JAGUAR MARK VIII
Introduced in 1956, the Mark VIII was the penultimate version of Jaguar's flagship luxury saloon that had debuted as the Mark VII back in 1950. A considerable improvement on what had gone before, the cruciform-braced chassis featured torsion-bar independent front suspension and all-round hydraulic brakes. The 3.4-liter 'six' had already demonstrated its prowess in the XK120 and proved capable of propelling the Mark VII.
In 1954 the revised Mark VIIM appeared, followed in 1956 by the Mark VIII. The latter boasted yet more power and torque, making for improved top-gear performance, the maximum speed of this two-ton leviathan increasing to 106mph. When production ceased in 1958, slightly more than 6,000 Mark VIIIs had been built.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Once completed at the Jaguar factory in January of 1958, this Mark VIII was destined for North America where it was sold new to B.V. Thoren of New York, New York. More remarkably, however, is the extended ownership period under racer Bob Grossman. For many years it served as his favorite personal car. The current owner, a Jaguar Collector and Enthusiast, procured the vehicle from Mr. Grossman after several visits and offers. Finally, in 1992, the vehicle was relinquished from the racer's care, and it has been remained in equally excellent care since.
The Jaguar is presented as a lovely driving example with routine maintenance having been carried out to ensure roadworthiness. As such, the transmission and brake have both been rebuilt, and the alternator was modified to provide better nighttime visibility. In 1997, the car received its two-tone Black/Red paint that can still be found on the bodywork today. In in most recent ownership period, the Jaguar has been shown at numerous Concours events, and has taken home just as many best in class awards.
A fine example of mid-century sporting luxury, this Mark VIII ready for countless miles of happy motoring.
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