FEATURE – 1968 Jaguar 420

Words: Mike Ryan

Photos: BGS Classic Cars

Amongst Jaguar’s post-war models, the 420 is perhaps the least known. Hardly surprising, really, as it was only on the market for two years and overshadowed by the Mark II, E-Type and even the Mark X/420G when new. Obscure as it was, the 420 was an important model for Jaguar, serving as a “proof of concept” for the XJ6 that would arrive in 1968 and go on to be one of the carmaker’s most successful models.

You can trace the story of the 420 all the way back to the 2.4 saloon – retrospectively referred to as the Mark I - from 1955, which was Jaguar’s first post-war compact saloon.

As most Jaguar aficionados would know, the Mark I led to the Mark II in 1959, with the S-Type arriving in 1963 as a third evolution of the concept.

The 420, released in late-1966, took parts from all these predecessors, but added elements from the much larger Mark X, too.

To clarify the differences that defined each model variant, the Mark II added a larger engine, wider rear track, larger rear window and restyled doors to the Mark I, while also standardising features that were previously optional.

The S-Type added independent rear suspension and a longer boot, twin fuel tanks and a re-styled front end to the Mark II. During production, the manual gearbox was upgraded, too.

To all these improvements, the 420 added some of its own – enough to warrant its own model designation.

Improved Compact

In terms of appearance, the 420’s most obvious difference over the Mk II/S-Type was the front-end styling.

The bluff appearance was inspired by the much larger Mark X, but added some features of its own. And despite the visual similarities, no body panels were shared between the Mark X and 420.

The variations in specification available on previous compact saloons were trimmed back somewhat on the 420, with just one engine offered - the 4.2-litre DOHC ‘XK’ straight six that had been added to the Mark X two years earlier and was also available on the E-Type.

With only two SU carburettors instead of three, the six produced 245hp (182kW) in the 420, but even in this spec, it was more powerful than any factory Mark II or S-Type and could deliver a 125mph (200km/h) top speed.

There were more options when it came to transmissions, with a four-speed manual, four-speed manual with overdrive and a three-speed automatic offered. The latter, a Borg Warner Model 8, would become the most popular choice with buyers.

Other standard spec included an alternator in place of a dynamo, power steering, servo-assisted four-wheel disc brakes and a heater.

Inside, the 420 was as luxurious as you’d expect from a Jaguar of the period, with leather seats, plush carpets and walnut trim on the dash and door cappings as standard.

Winning Formula

The combination of Mk II, S-Type and Mk X elements proved to be a winning formula in the 420 and it would be Jaguar’s best-selling model in 1967; its first full year on the market.

While unconfirmed, it’s likely that the 420’s success proved to Jaguar boss William Lyons that the XJ6, a model similar in many respects to the 420, would be a success, too.

As such, when the XJ6 was launched in October, 1968, it swept the S-Type and 420 aside and would go on to make its own mark in the Jaguar story.

The almost immediate success of the XJ6 means that the 420 is largely forgotten today. The 420’s short time on the market - barely two years - doesn’t help, either.  

As such, the 420 has been overlooked by collectors, with surviving cars cannibalised to restore or upgrade Mark IIs and S-Types, or used as engine donors for E-Type restos, leaving ratty examples to rot.

The 420 is still largely underappreciated today, reflected in prices of only around $10,000 for drivable, but poor-quality examples. Its “forgotten” status and a dearth of good quality survivors makes outstanding examples of the 420, like the one featured, all the more remarkable.

Restored and More

Consigned for sale with BGS Classic Cars in Queensland at time of writing, the 420 featured is a 1968 model that was restored a decade ago, with some upgrades and alterations made at the same time.

Prior to the restoration, not a lot of this car’s history is known, including whether it was Australian-delivered from new or not. However, available receipts for work done show that this car's Aussie tenure goes back at least to the early 1980s. This in turn goes some way to explaining its condition, as a UK market car would have most likely dissolved by now.

Fully repainted in a rich burgundy (possibly Jaguar’s Opalescent Maroon), this 420 sits on period-correct centre-lock wire wheels and modern radials.

Importantly, while it looks stock at first glance, there are little variations on this 420 that shows its owner at the time wasn’t afraid to make it more his own.

The suspension was modernised, with Monroe shocks fitted all round and the front end modified to sit a little lower than standard.

Louvres cut into the bonnet would be enough to make some Jaguar purists blanch, but it makes some sense for reducing engine bay heat in Australian summers. However, the thermo fan added to the radiator is a more practical – and certainly subtler - means of achieving the same goal.

The engine, a correct 4.2-litre six, was completely rebuilt during the restoration and apparently upgraded, too. Exactly what was upgraded is unclear, but Tymon from BGS Classic Cars, who has owned a 420, describes this example as a having a bit more fizz than a factory-spec 420.

While internal mods to the engine are unknown, a repositioned ignition coil and deleted air intake pipe are some of the visible changes externally.

Beyond the engine, this car’s individualisation continued with the gearbox. The owner swapped the original BW Model 8 auto for a four-speed manual with overdrive.

Digging through the receipts and documentation provided with the car, Tymon confirmed the replacement gearbox is a standard Jaguar four-speed with overdrive and not an aftermarket unit.

Inside Alterations

Moving to the car's interior, Jaguar purists will instantly point to the dash as not being factory accurate. They’re right, as it’s actually an S-Type dash. The factory 420 dash had a slightly different shape and padded top, with a clock mounted in the upper centre section, while the S-Type dash was an all-walnut veneer affair, even the dash top.

It’s not the real deal, but the dash doesn’t look out of place in this application and only the pedant would spot it. It helps that the gauges and most of the switchgear were the same across both models.

The gearbox conversion means there’s now a centre console shifter instead of the column shift this car would have worn when it was an auto.

Another deviation from stock is the steering wheel. From the factory, 420s wore a fairly bland, two-spoke black plastic wheel, but during the resto, this was replaced with an XK140-style woodrim Moto Lita replica. Factory power steering remains.

The leather seats and door trims were all replaced during the restoration and look close to factory spec in appearance.

Fresh burgundy carpets pick up on the exterior colour, with new seat belts and headlining completing the interior makeover.

An Individual Choice

Since its restoration was completed, this 420 has won multiple concours awards at Jaguar Car Club National Rallies and could easily accrue more trophies in the hands of its next owner.

The asking price is at the very top of 420 values, but it’s a reflection of this car’s condition, which overall, is holding up very well in the decade since it was restored, with only minor signs of wear.

Mechanically, this 420 operates without fault, according to Tymon from BGS, who says it’s a delight to drive; able to trundle along in third or fourth gear, but capable of some real “get-up and go” when needed.

While the 420 is finally starting to attract attention in the collector car market, it still has a way to go before it’ll match the appeal of other Jaguar saloons, like the Mark II. That makes the 420 an individual choice. The modifications to this car make it even more of an individual choice.

So, if you want to stand out from the crowd, even amongst other Jaguars, a 420 – and particularly this 420 – is the car to do it in.

FOR SALE

Jaguar 420s rarely come up for sale, and ones in this condition are even rarer.

Cosmetically and mechanically, there’s virtually nothing to fault on this car, which can’t be said for most other 420s on the market.

Currently on Victorian club registration, the car will be sold unregistered. A Victorian car for sale in Queensland may seem unusual, but the consignor previously sold his E-Type through BGS and was happy with the outcome, so he went to the effort of sending this 420 up to Queensland, too.

Asking price is $55,000.

For more details, call BGS Classic Cars on 0439 689 016.

See more images at justcars.com.au with ad code JCMD5217496.