Jaguar 340

Purchasing classics there

The famous brand started in 1921 with the collaboration of two friends, William Lyons (1901) and William Walmsley (1892), in Blackpool building sidecars for motorcycles to impress their friends. The first sidecar was called 'Otasel' and was probably a corruption of “hot as Hell”. They have always lived up to that name.

By: Jan Oosting

My Jaguar 340 was built in 1968 and was one of 1799 made that year. The 340 was a slightly facelifted model of the MKII 3.4. A new 340 then cost £1.422. The cars were also known as “Run away Cars”, and were mainly stolen for bank robberies. 

Start and run

This Jaguar 340 is originally from Switzerland and was the proud possession of an industrialist. When I bought the car, now twenty years ago, it had 59.340 km on the clock. Now, in 2022, that's 72.900. After purchase I had a lot of trouble starting and running the engine. After a thorough cleaning of the carburettors I have never had any more problems. Although the mounting of electronic ignition will also have contributed. To replace the points with such an electronic ignition, I lay awake at night, do it or don't do it. In the end I took the plunge in favor of good starting and running. I haven't regretted it for a second.

In addition to the usual maintenance such as new hoses and clamps and the like, I hardly have any bad luck with my Jaguar 340. Always start and run. Every now and then a new battery due to too little driving. 

Restoration

In the past twenty years the car has been restored twice. The first time in Poland. They did a lot of good work there, but not really top. So again after seven years in The Hague. That was done perfectly by Raf, a real sheet metal artist and enthusiast… Everything has been thoroughly overhauled. Every part has been checked and renewed if necessary. The old color 'Old English White' has been remade and suits this car very nicely. Fortunately, parts are still available. The rear leaf springs, fuel pump and steering have been renewed or thoroughly overhauled. 

In addition to an electronic overdrive, the car also has power steering, which makes every ride a true dance of joy with the asphalt.

In the meantime, many bridal couples have already been taken to town hall in this car and they are all still together! There may not be a causal relationship, but it is remarkable.

For me this is the most beautiful model ever, personal taste. The lines are perfect and I am often approached on the street. The smell of leather and wood gives an extra dimension to this car. Just like driving it. The car radio is never on because the sound of the stainless steel exhaust is music to my ears. The rounded lines and all the little extras make this car perfect for me. Even my five-year-old grandson raves about the Jaguar 340 and I can do no better than to pick it up from school in this carriage. 

I don't have a grease pit at home, so I depend on people who like to help me. There are more than enough and they all consider it an honor and fun to keep a 1968 car on the road. Young car mechanics in particular have a lot of fun tinkering with this Jaguar 340. Much to my delight. 

Also read:
- Jaguar S-Type 3.8
- Jaguar XJ-S. Reborn in the right body.
- A Jaguar Mk10: A plus size model
- Jaguar E-Type noses
- SS Jaguar 2,5 L. Saloon

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3 comments

  1. Beautiful car, but it doesn't look good under the hood. That is fine for little money
    be put in order. Wiper motor must be adjusted so that the wipers are on the
    be parked in the right place. Overdrive is not electronic, but is electrically controlled.

  2. Nice that Sineke wrote. It is indeed a beautiful car.
    In my mind I hear the unsynced first gear, have fun
    and luck.
    Greetings from YVR to all, and to my little sister.

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