1956 Jaguar Mk1 2.4 Saloon - Manual Overdrive – Star of ITV's Endeavour

Please note this lot is subject to vendor approval and may change.

If this smart Mk1 Jaguar looks familiar, it’s because it was the automotive star of several series of ITV’s award-winning drama Endeavour, the hugely popular prequel to Inspector Morse that began in 2012. Driven on screen by both DC Endeavour Morse (Shaun Evans) and DI Thursday (Roger Allam), it became a recognisable part of the show’s visual identity, providing a direct link to the original Morse Jaguar. After its television career, the car was purchased directly from MGM Cars at Pinewood Studios by our vendor, making this a rare opportunity to acquire an authentic production-used screen car with verified provenance.

Chassis #S900939 is historically significant in its own right. Built in April 1956, it was the 939th Mk1 produced out of 19,992 built between September 1955 and September 1959 and is believed to be one of the earliest surviving roadworthy 2.4-litre saloons. Presented in its original 2.4-litre specification with manual gearbox, it now shows 95,183 miles which is supported by documentation. Remarkably, records confirm it was taken off the road in mid 1975 at 36,980 miles and remained unused until its restoration was completed in 1990, supporting the authenticity of the mileage.

Comprehensively restored in the late 1980s/early 1990s, the Jaguar was already well known on the show and event circuit long before its television fame. In 1999 it received an unleaded cylinder head conversion and was fitted with an overdrive unit to improve long distance usability. Under current ownership, it has benefited from a programme of recommissioning works including a new clutch, engine service and brake overhaul, returning it to running order after its time in storage and on set.

The accompanying history file is superb and features a period Jaguar parts catalogue and service manual, Jaguar dating letter, original buff, green and V5C logbooks, 1974 and 1975 Tax Discs, a petrol ration book, lubrication chart, two owner’s manuals and its V5C registration document. There is also a mounted period magazine advert, a large photo album chronicling the 1989–1990 restoration in detail, and numerous magazine, newspaper and event appearances, many featuring this very car. MOT Certificates span from 1990 to 2008 and from 2012 to 2018, and the file also includes many invoices for various parts and works.

A genuine piece of British television history, an early-production Mk1 Jaguar with verified provenance, a documented restoration and recent mechanical investment, this charismatic saloon offers a compelling combination of collectability, heritage and classic Jaguar charm.