Jaguar Mark VIII
The quintessential 1950s express for the discerning British executive.
- Power
- 210 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 11.6 s
- Top speed
- 106 mph
- Est. value
- $15k–$55k
About the Jaguar Mark VIII
Introduced at the 1956 London Motor Show, the Jaguar Mark VIII was a luxurious evolution of the Mark VII M, bridging the gap to the later Mark IX. It featured a new one-piece curved windscreen and a distinctive chrome waistline strip that facilitated the era's fashionable two-tone paint schemes. Under the bonnet sat the legendary 3.4-litre XK engine, equipped with a 'B-type' cylinder head to produce a healthy 210 bhp. Inside, the cabin was a masterclass in British craftsmanship, boasting extensive walnut veneers, deep-pile rugs, and picnic tables for rear passengers. While heavy, its refined suspension and potent straight-six made it one of the fastest full-sized luxury saloons of its day.
Jaguar Mark VIII specs
The Jaguar Mark VIII produces 210 bhp (157 kW) and 292 Nm (215 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 11.6 seconds and has a top speed of 106 mph (171 km/h).
| Make | Jaguar |
|---|---|
| Model | Mark VIII |
| Trim | 3.4 |
| Years | 1956–1958 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 6,227 built |
| Original price | About $5,500 when new |
| Engine | 3.4-litre DOHC straight-six |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,442 cc (3.4 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 210 bhp (157 kW) at 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 292 Nm (215 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 5,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 11.6 s |
| Top speed | 106 mph (171 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,702 kg (3,752 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 123 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Jaguar Mark VIII worth?
A typical Jaguar Mark VIII is estimated to be worth $15,000 – $55,000 (about £11,000 – £41,000).
Its original price when new was about $5,500.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Jaguar Mark VIII rarity in CarSpot
The Jaguar Mark VIII is a Rare card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 57 out of 100. Performance cars, typically worth around £50,000 to £100,000. A Rare card is worth 40 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Jaguar Mark VIII fun facts
- The Mark VIII was the first Jaguar to offer a factory two-tone paint job, a design choice enabled by its new curved chrome side trim.
- Despite its luxury focus, a Mark VIII won the Automatic Transmission class in the 1958 Australian Mobilgas Economy Run.
- The 'B-type' cylinder head used in the Mark VIII featured larger valves from the C-Type racer to improve gas flow at low and medium speeds.
