18.6 - Differences of a MKX to a 420G ( Robert Meyer,  December 26, 2002 )

Long time ago, maybe in the beginning of December 2002
Andy wrote: >> Mk X vs 420 <<
Can someone(s) please expound upon the differences
between the Mark X and the 420?
They seem to be extremely similar, yet the 420 seems
to be higher priced/more sought after.
Andy Litkowiak

Hi Andy, my answer seemed to be rejected automatically
as I made some faults. So I try again:
To distinguish between Mark X /420G and 420 seems to be
a problem even for automobile journalists and some
Jaguar book writers.

The outside distinctive features between Mark X and 420
are visible even from a distance of several meters.
First you should distinguish between 420 vs 420G.
The much bigger 420G ("BIG GEE") really had only few
exterior differences to the Mark X, as the "BIG TEN"
was its direct predecessor and for a first view had
not more than a new name.

So a mixing up of Mark 10 vs 420G would not be such
a big fault.

There were only few changes with the 420G:
Additional chrome lining on the sides
with small signal lamps on front end,
grille with stronger middle bar,
smaller lamp glasses, new wheel caps as well as
two tone colour as desired. That was all from outside.
Interior and technical changes were some more:
Upholstered dashbord top with central clock
and new technical details will learn from my "BIG JAG -bible":
JAGUAR Mark VII to 420G
THE COMPLETE COMPANION
Author: Nigel Thorley
Bay View Books Ltd, Bideford, Devon, GB
ISBN 1-870979-41-9

The first Mark X series had a 3.8ltr engine,
followed by the second with 4.2litre engine.
The third series, the 420G had a 4.2litre engine like
series two, but a new name.
To distinguish between 420 and 420G you first should know,
that the 420 was a noticeable smaller car.
To make it simple - imagine a 2step evolution of the Mark 2.
First step: Give it a new back end looking like a Mark 10 boot
and you'll get an S-Type.
Second step: Give it a front end looking like Mark 10/420G
and you will get a smaller brother of a Mark 10/420G,
named Jaguar 420.
Distinctive features visible from outside:
- 420 had rectangular horn grilles instead of round ones,
- 420 showing B-column, not visible at Mk10/420G,
- 420 opening only motor hood, Mk10/420G opening complete
front with grille (comparable with XKE).