Classic Jaguar bought by Madonna heads to auction

A 1967 Jaguar Mark X, previously purchased by legendary pop star Madonna, is coming up for auction later this month.

The classic Jaguar saloon was bought by Madonna for her son, Rocco Ritchie, for use in London. A direct connection to the queen of pop makes this already rare big cat even more desirable.

The Mark X will be one of many interesting cars crossing the auction block at the H&H Classics Imperial War Museum sale, which takes place on 9 October 2024.

A classic Jaguar flagship

Launched in 1961, the Jaguar Mark X was the British marque’s flagship saloon for the best part of a decade. Initially offered with a 3.6-litre straight-six engine, the option of a larger 4.2-litre version was added in 1964, increasing output to more than 260hp.

Some 18,500 examples of the Mark X were made before it was replaced by the Jaguar 420G in 1967. However, just 5,137 cars were fitted with the 4.2-litre engine, making these something of a rarity.

As one of the largest Jaguar models ever made when new, it should be no surprise that it came to the attention of diplomats and celebrities.

Although aimed chiefly at the North American market, the Jaguar generated plenty of attention on this side of the Atlantic, too.

A star of social media

Originally sold to a company in Kingston Upon Thames in late 1967, this particular Mark X would pass through several owners before undergoing restoration work during the 1990s.

Dry stored for a number of years, it was recommissioned in 2010, then finally purchased by Madonna in 2021. 

Driven extensively by Rocco Ritchie, the Mark X has benefited from extra work since. The 4.2-litre engine has been overhauled, with new pistons and a rebore, while the exterior was stripped back to bare metal and repainted in Opalescent Maroon.

The interior, as highlighted by Madonna recently on social media, was also refreshed, and saw a reversing camera fitted to make London life easier.

Loving it in London

Kept at Madonna’s residence in London, the Jaguar is being sold directly from the ownership of Rocco Ritchie. He notes that the bodywork has suffered some minor damage, attributed to life in the capital, and the 4.2-litre engine could benefit from some attention.

Along with its well-documented celebrity connection, the Mark X will be accompanied by a history file that includes the original green logbook and service plan document issued by the supplying dealer.

Already a desirable classic Jaguar, and with a connection to a true pop music icon, the Mark X is likely to attract plenty of attention.

Listed without reserve, we will find out soon just how much the famous Jag can achieve at auction.

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