1956 Jaguar Carmen Red 2 Point 4 Sports Saloon

     The 2 4 was the first sports saloon produced by Jaguar and Jag’s third XK-engined body style–The XK120, the 7 (large sedan), then the 2 4 (small sedan).  The 7’s heritage continued through the l0 and 420.  All other sedans built have been descendants of the 2 4, the most prolific being the XJ.   The 2 4, introduced in l955, was the first unit-bodied Jaguar.  Its body was overbuilt, very strong and solid, there being no computer to use in its design.  The main idea was to have a great handling sports sedan powered by an XK engine with twin-overhead cams and hemi combustion chambers.  Two models were built, 2 4 and 3 4.  The 2.4 liter used a 3″ shorter engine block with essentially square bore and stroke (ideal for tuning)  It was discontinued in the US so all Jag’s imports here could use the same engine, though it was continued in for tax purposes. Interestingly, the prototype E-Type had a 2.4 engine.
      On to this particular car.  I have owned it approximately 32-33 years.  It was built on June 7, l956 and delivered to its first owner in as an overseas delivery.  Its original color was Grey but it was repainted n d perhaps 35 to 40 years ago.  Please note that, in the photos, the car has not been detailed  so you can get a better idea of its condition.  I just removed it from 22 years in storage and the body was simply washed–not polished!  All fluids were replaced and out of an abundance of caution the brake cylinders and master cylinders (brake and clutch) were rebuilt, as were the carbs.  New whitewall tires were installed as well as 72-spoke chrome wire wheels on the front.  A rubber hammer and the factory lug wrench will remove and  replace every wheel in case of a flat, so only one spare tire is necessary.  One of the main design features of the 2 4 included full spats (fender skirts) and I wanted to keep them.  ually the first year’s styling is the most “pure”; subsequent versions make updates that depart from the original, which seldom improve on the appearance.  For example on the 2 4, a wire-wheel option was added and a big chunk removed from the spats to make way for that option.  Then the beautiful cast grille, which curved in at the bottom was replaced by a wider non-cast one that didn’t appear to curve underneath, being more straight at the bottom.  Then the design morphed into another model with many changes to the body.  So many in fact that is was dubbed the II.  Some were: the rear of the car was widened, hardtop-type chrome window surrounds over way larger windows were added to the doors,  a much larger rear window (wrap around) was installed, and several trim items such as tail and parking lights, etc.   The II became very popular as Jaguar’s sales in the US increased and it was certainly a beautiful car in it’s own right, but the design purity of the original was unfortunately lost, and later models continued the trend.  ond the styling the subsequent models had many improvements, of course.  But there is only one First!
      Before I purchased the car, aftermarket air cleaners were added which does improve the appearance of the engine compartment.  Also, it appears the headliner was worked on, at least over the windshield, and the sunvisors were not replaced, though they’ll come with the car.  Other than that, everything else seems original.  I did replace the exhaust system to get the best subdued six-cylinder sound.
      The car runs and drives beautifully with its 4-speed transmission and cock de electric overdrive.  And the use of Solex carbs make it very easy to maintain.
      Adding to its provenance is that it was selected by Steve edy in his book, “JAGUAR Distinguishing Coachwork Features The Classic Marque” copyright 2002.  This is a beautiful book with many colored photos covering each model through the motorcycle sidecars through every SS, SS Jaguar and Jaguar built, up to the time of its publication. He used THIS CAR’s pictures to illustrate the 2 4 and you can find them on pages 102 and 107.
      the car perfect?  course not.  k at it as a car you can drive and enjoy now and tinker with a little when you feel like–without worrying about a full restoration.  The tach and windshield wipers are intermittent–many years before intermittent wipers were “invented”.   There are a couple spots of rust which have not yet come through the paint and I’m sure you can find other things to play with and improve over the years.   But as it is, it’s a beauty–don’t you think?  A rare chance for a Jag enthusiast to get a wonderful example of a truly historical classic Jaguar–and the easiest of all XKs to maintain!   And isn’t it a beauty?!  
      Incidentally, many people refer to 2 4s and 3 4s as 1s, but Jaguar never called them that.  When the II entered the scene, people began to refer to the first models as 1s.
      For more information call b at 1- and  I’ll be happy to discuss whatever you want to know about it.