Getting parts for Endeavour’s Jaguar 2.4 MK1 was not as straightforward as we first thought.
Once we finally located the correct clutch for the early 2.4-litre engine, the engine and gearbox could go back together — freeing up the ramp for another job. During reinstallation, we found several hoses and linkages that needed careful repair or replacement.

KAN 169 is an old car — the 939th of a 19,992-strong production run of luxury saloons, first registered in April 1956.
I expected worn components, which is to be expected on a nearly 70-year-old Jaguar. Some parts, however, were beyond acceptable tolerance and required fettling or replacement — a time-consuming task that will pay dividends (read: “rewarding”) when complete.
You’re always going to uncover extra jobs when restoring a classic car, and the MK1 was no exception. A tweak here or a replacement there is inevitable. It’s wise to have a healthy contingency fund when taking on a classic car restoration, or there’s more than a 50% chance you’ll never finish it. I’ve learned that from years working on old cars.

Once the engine and gearbox were reunited with the body, and the front suspension reattached with all-new bushes, we struggled to achieve a firm brake pedal.
Despite repeated bleeding, adjusting, and reassembly over several weeks, the system remained stubbornly spongy. Sometimes you just have to walk away and come back with a clear head — which we did.
Inspecting the crude (but once cutting-edge) automatic brake adjusters revealed elongated holes where they attach to the shoes. After repair and re-drilling, the pedal was still poor. Even replacing the pin between the brake pedal and master cylinder made no difference.
Eventually, we stripped the master cylinder and found an incorrect internal component preventing full piston travel. It was likely due to the scarcity of proper Jaguar MK1 brake parts.

I’ve no idea how it worked before — the clutch slipped so badly it could barely move under its own power, so I doubt the brakes were ever truly tested.
To complicate things, two different makes of master cylinder were fitted to Jaguar Mark 1 models. Jaguar, back in the day, often bought from whichever supplier offered the best price — not always the best value.
Finding the correct master cylinder was like looking for lost horsepower. After weeks of online searching, we finally found a replacement in America. Unfortunately, when it arrived, it was the wrong one — a harsh reminder that classic Jaguar parts aren’t always available off the shelf.
Later MK1s share some components with the Jaguar MK2, but many early MK1 parts are unique and no longer produced. I could have upgraded to MK2 components, but wanted to keep the car as original as possible (though in hindsight, perhaps I should have).
Thankfully, Nigel at Past Parts offered to rebuild the original master cylinder, fabricating the missing piece. After refitting, the brakes were much improved, but still not perfect — so it was time for the car’s maiden post-refurb drive to bed in the brake shoes.

Bedding in involves applying light and then moderate pressure on the brake pedal several times to allow the shoes to seat evenly against the drums. I later removed the drums again and manually adjusted the linings to a point of slight resistance.
And there it was — at last, a great brake pedal!
With rare excitement, I took the Jaguar 2.4 out on its first official drive. The 2483cc straight-six isn’t known for neck-snapping acceleration, and not all of Jaguar’s famous slogan — “Grace... Space... Pace” — seemed fully in evidence, but it was wonderful to drive.

One final niggle: the throttle linkage between the two carburettors had slipped, allowing one to open before the other — so the car was effectively running on a single carburettor. After adjusting the linkage, the transformation was instant.
Oh joy indeed!
Since then, the car has attended several outings including the VSCC at Bulls Cross, Goodwood, and — naturally — a few scenic pub runs.
Contrary to what you might see in the show, the phone in the car doesn’t actually work — imagine that!

The car’s journey continues, bringing smiles and waves wherever it goes. It’s now up to the next custodian to decide where the Endeavour Morse Jaguar 2.4 MK1 story goes from here.