This Mk1 looks like a new car, and effectively is one. Just out of restoration, it’s
been built to replicate VDU 881, the famed Mike Hawthorn 3.4, and incorporates
most of the World Champion’s mods: triple-carb engine, better brakes and
overdrive – though not the hand throttle. It was built by Roach Classics, which
has been producing these since 1988, and finished off by Woodham Mortimer.
The shell is smart with excellent, even panel gaps, the paint is shiny and
the chrome perfect, and it’s still just as clean underneath. The tyres are new
Vredestein Sprint Classics, as used by XK racers.
Inside, the leather trim is new (though Hawthorn’s car had dogtooth seat
covers), the rear window wears a period demister and there’s a Pye radio –
which works – as per the original. The steering wheel has been left unrestored
and slightly patinated, which is a nice touch, and there’s a Tourist Trophy
Garage medal (Farnham 4875) on the glovebox lid.
The engine is the original 3.4, rebuilt and wearing a very rare works-type
triple-branch manifold to mount the three 2in SU carbs, plus D-type cams and
larger valves. The oil and coolant are still as clean as when filled, as you’d
expect with only 16 miles covered since build. There’s a custom-made exhaust
manifold said to replicate the one designed by the staff at TT Garage in 1958.
The back axle now runs a 4.09 ratio, and there are four-pot front calipers.
It drives tightly, because it hasn’t been run in or ‘snagged’, so we’ll forgive the
sticky throttle action and the slightly juddery discs because they will be sorted
before sale. We didn’t push the motor much past 2000rpm, but you can feel
its potential, and the overdrive clicks in smartly on third and top... and that’s
definitely a Moss ’box in there. Oil pressure is healthy, registering 45psi at
tickover when warm, with the ammeter showing charge. The suspension mods
are unspecified, but it certainly feels stiffer than standard.
The price is way in excess of what a mint Mk1 would fetch (Bonhams got
£52k for a similar car in 2015), but it’s only about half what it cost to build.SUMMARY
EXTERIOR
Solid and shiny bodywork, with
deep paint
INTERIOR
Almost all new, with some nice
detail touches
MECHANICALS
All new, rebuilt or uprated
VALUE ★★★★★★✩✩✩✩
For Very healthy, and quick
Against Still needed shaking down,
which will be done before sale
SHOULD I BUY IT?
If you want a ‘new’ Hawthorn replica,
this is a faster and cheaper route
than building your ownCase histories
JAGUAR 3.4
Year of manufacture 1958 Recorded mileage 16
Asking price £85,000 Vendor Woodham Mortimer Ltd, Maldon, Essex;
01621 879579; woodham-mortimer.com
WHEN IT WAS NEW
Price £1672 Max power 190bhp Max torque 213lb ft
0-60mph 8.4 secs Top speed 120mph Mpg 18We test the classics that you can b y
230 Classic & Sports Car September 2019
Gavin McGuire’s
Fine Automobiles
Telephone/Fax 0044 (0) 1892770310
MobilePhone 0044 (0) 7770316482
[email protected]
Websitewww.gavinmcguire.co.uk
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