The 1956-1959 Jaguar
Mark VIII was a slightly heavier replacement for the Mark VII/VIIM
sedans. It featured minor styling changes and more power, but was
otherwise the same. Identification points include a one-piece instead
of split windshield, two-tone paint, a bolder grille, reshaped seats,
and more luxurious interior trim.
Output of the XK twincam six was boosted from 190 to 210 bhp for this application, about one horsepower per cubic inch. Still with drum brakes, however. Most examples were fitted with Borg-Warner automatic transmission.
Pluses of the 1956-1959 Jaguar Mark VIII:
 1957-1958 Jaguar Mark VIII sedan. See more pictures of Jaguar cars. |
Output of the XK twincam six was boosted from 190 to 210 bhp for this application, about one horsepower per cubic inch. Still with drum brakes, however. Most examples were fitted with Borg-Warner automatic transmission.
Pluses of the 1956-1959 Jaguar Mark VIII:
- Six passenger room combined with near XK120 performance
- Graceful "period" styling
- Not too expensive for a collectible
- Another Milestone Jag
Minuses of the 1956-1959 Jaguar Mark VIII:
- Rust-prone
- Body parts no longer around
- Marginal brakes
- Construction quality doesn't match looks
Production
of the 1956-1959 Jaguar Mark VIII:
6,332
Specifications
of the 1956-1959 Jaguar Mark VIII:
Length, inches: 196.5
Wheelbase, inches: 120.0
Weight, pounds: 4,030
Price, new: approx. $5,000 U.S.
Engines
for the 1956-1959 Jaguar Mark VIII: Type Size Horsepower Years dohc I-6 (210)
3,442 210
1956-1959
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