models history

[kevinhafner]

I'm thinking of buying a MK1/2, Daimler 2.5 ltr, 240, 340 or S type. Is there any definitive history or books on the history to research the best model to buy?
Many thanks, kevin.

[webman]

I'd suggest Nigel Thorley's book, 'Original Jaguar Mk1/MkII', which covers Mk1, Mk2, 240, 340 and Daimler V8.

It is not listed on JEC-Direct but the ISBN is 1-870979-15-X

It's second title is, 'The Restorers Guide to ....' and I have found it very useful.

I have owned a Mk2 and currently drive a 340. The 2.4 and 240 are a little under-powered in my opinion and the 340 offers good value for money, if you can find a good one and like the S-Type thinner bumpers.

[ManxNeil]

Nigel Thorley's latest book on the Mark 1 and 2, in the 'Haynes Great Cars' series is excellent and widely available. Don't dismiss it as a coffee table picture book: indeed, it is lavishly and superbly illustrated with period and commissioned photos but it is packed with information in a readable style on the Mks 1 & 2 and the Daimler derivatives. ISBN 9781859609651.

There are three other books which, whilst now out of print, are worth looking for on eBay or ABE Books (the latter now owned by Amazon, I think) or on the bookstalls at the NEC Classic Motor Show next month. The first is another by Nigel, 'Jaguar Mk 1 & 2: The Complete Companion' and the other two are by James Taylor and published by The Crowood Press. They are 'Jaguar Mk 1 and 2 - The Complete Story' and 'Jaguar S-type and 420 - The Complete Story'. In all cases, the books on the Mks 1 and 2 cover the Daimlers.

In the last year or two there have also been buyers' guides on the Mk 2 and S-type in the classic press. I particularly like 'Practical Classics' and 'Classic & Sports Car' for their comparatively brief, non-nonsense guides, so relevant back issues will be of some help.

For myself, it has to be a 3.8 Mk 2, cos I have one, but I wouldn't rule out any of them: the Mk 1 has a lovely 1950's ambience; if you're not going racing or stonking up the motorway all the time the 2.4/240 is fine (the 240's a little quicker); the V8 in the Daimler is a beautiful and powerful engine which can hold its own with a 3.4 Jag; the S-type will go round corners better than a Mk 2; and the 420 is criminally undervalued because it's not quite as pretty - but it's still going to turn heads as you drive down the High Street.

Have a good read and have fun deciding!

Neil

[kevinhafner]

Thanks for all the help guys. Looks like I've got some bed time reading to do.
I'll make life easier for myself and pick something 1966 or before so I can take it along to the Goodwood Revival.
Many thanks again, Kevin.