Jaguar Mk. X
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 2
Introduction
This car still holds the title as being the broadest
British production saloon being 1.93 metres across its
rear. It offered
independent suspension and power-steering
and was half the price of its rivals.
Originally it was fitted with a triple-carburettor
3.8-litre XK motor used in the E-Type, but this changed
to a 4.2-litre unit in 1964 that resulted in more
torque but with identical power which was enough to
push it to 193 km/h even in automatic.
In fact, the auto version was consistently faster than
the manual, beating 10 seconds at getting to 96 km/h. This
car could achieve this despite being a lavish 5-seater
and having an enormous boot as well.
Unfortunately, consumers never really took to this gentle
giant causing Jaguar to conduct a mid-term name change
when the 4.2-litre was released, to inspire sales.
In
1966 the Mk. X became the 420G which caused a bit of confusion
with the S-Type 420. The "G" apparently stood for "Grand", and although
its shape was the same it did boast bright metal beading
along the cars sides. The grille was different too,
with a thick middle strip. The interior had a timber
dash rail with lateral-supportive seating.
The final 420G's were assembled in 1970, but it lived
on in the big DS420 Daimler Limousine which used a stretch
version.