Rare 1960 Jaguar Mark IX Discovered in Colorado Boneyard: A 66-Year-Old Luxury Classic

Finding a 1960s Jaguar in a modern-day junkyard is rare, but discovering a 1960 Jaguar Mark IX—a 66-year-old English luxury saloon—is even more extraordinary. This particular example now resides in a boneyard near Denver, Colorado, after decades of neglect.

In nearly 20 years of junkyard exploration, I’ve documented only two discarded pre-1970 Jaguars: a 1965 S-Type in Colorado and a 1969 XJ6 in California. The Mark IX, however, occupied a higher rung on the prestige ladder than those two models. As the direct descendant of the 1948 Mark V, it shared the same chassis and was produced from 1958 to 1961. During its production years, it was the most expensive Jaguar model available.

The Mark IX’s original list price was $6,020, equivalent to approximately $67,846 in 2026 dollars. This left-hand-drive model was specifically designed for the North American market, where it competed directly with luxury American sedans like the 1960 Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty Special Sedan, priced at $6,233 ($70,246 after inflation). While the Cadillac boasted more power (325 horsepower vs. the Jaguar’s 220), the Mark IX’s timeless design and Old World charm made it a head-turner.

The Mark IX’s elegance even caught the attention of Hollywood. According to the Internet Movie Cars Database, it appeared in the 1960 British teensploitation film Beat Girl, released in the U.S. as Wild for Kicks with American-accented dubbing.

The Mark IX was powered by a 3.8-liter DOHC straight-six engine, producing 220 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. A more powerful version, the XK-150S, delivered 265 horsepower. Most Mark IX models came with a Borg-Warner three-speed automatic transmission, though a four-speed manual with floor shift was available in 1960—though few buyers opted for it.

While the car’s body remains solid, its interior is in poor condition, with signs of neglect and electrical issues. Someone attempted repairs to the Prince of Darkness electrics decades ago, leaving behind a Lucas ammeter that controlled all non-starter-motor circuits—a notorious source of problems in classic Jaguars.

According to a representative from Colorado Auto Parts, the Jaguar was part of a collection that included a 1971 Buick Skylark and a 1949 Buick Super. All three cars arrived together and appear to have been stored outdoors for years, exposed to the harsh High Plains elements. Colorado Auto Parts frequently receives rare British machinery, including a pair of Austin Princess DM4 limousines (a 1959 and 1962 model) and an Austin Marina.

How did a non-rusty Mark IX end up in this state? The answer remains unclear. This car, once a symbol of luxury and prestige, now faces an uncertain future in the boneyard. Will it be restored, preserved, or lost to time? Only time will tell.