Which celebrity used to own the elegant 1959 Mark IX Jaguar sedan for sale on eBay in Winter Haven, Florida? Cary Grant, David Niven, Peter Lawford, or some other famous British actor? Actually, no, it was the far less likely Tommy Chong, half of the stoner comedy duo Cheech and Chong.
In the last three days, the top bid popped up from $3,000 to nearly $7,000—still quite affordable. See where is stands now - opens in new window or tab..
These Jaguars often get mistaken for period Rolls-Royces.
A Gift to Chong, Rediscovered
Tommy Chong registered this car in California.
Chong owned the black beauty until at least 2011 when he was photographed with it - opens in new window or tab. in Motor Trend. The car was a gift from a friend who didn’t drive it for decades. The comedian said:
It sat for a long time, [so] I had it refinished and redone. I kept the original paint. Everything is original. It’s the top of the line and rides like a dream.
The Mark IX is still running and driving but is a little worn around the edges. The wide whitewall tires - opens in new window or tab. are questionable, and the rear fender skirts are a relief map of cracks. Some chrome is loose.
There are 84,000 miles on the odometer, but the actual mileage is unknown. Back in 2011, the car got a carburetor rebuild, new coolant hoses, work to the master cylinder, and a complete tune-up. Now it “yard drives” but may need some sympathetic servicing to be roadworthy.
The burled wood and leather can be expensive to restore, but this car has a serviceable interior.
Refurbishing the posh leather-and-wood interior on one of these big boats can get pricey. This one is better than most. The seats look great and were probably reupholstered—in leather, the owner says. The burled walnut appointments appear intact.
The prospect is for a celebrity-owned classic car that a new owner could drive now and refurbish down the road.
A Touring Car with Built-In Fold-Out Tables
Chong's signature on the fold-out table is faded but still visible.
The Mark IX was the successor to the very similar Mark VIII and was introduced in 1959 and available through 1961. All of these cars were grand tourers, with huge rear seats serviced by folding picnic tables. (They are more like ledges.) On this car, one of the tables bears Chong’s fading signature.
Heads of state, when they weren’t buying Mercedes-Benzes or Cadillacs, gravitated to the Mark VII through Mark IX. Charles de Gaulle used one for a state visit to Canada in 1960, and the Queen Mother had one. The Nigerian government had 40 of them.
The XK engine was shared with the sports cars.
The twin-cam drivetrain of these large sedans was essentially the same as was used in the XK sports cars, which were much lighter. The Mark IX boasted the XK twin-cam engine in 3.8-liter form, four-wheel disc brakes, and power steering. A four-speed manual was standard, but most examples stateside (including the car for sale) have the Borg-Warner three-speed auto box.
It would be interesting to check the ashtray on Chong’s Mark IX. Perhaps an aroma of bong parfum still lingers. After the hugely successful duo broke up, Chong played the old hippie on That ‘70s Show and wrote, directed, and starred in the film Far Out Man. He was also an old hippie on Dharma and Greg.
Chong was the proud owner of this “top of the line” car.
The Hippy-Dippy Motor Man
Chong later started a restoration business called Hippy Motors with friend Evan Singer. His daily driver when he had the Jaguar was not as stately but more Earth-friendly, a Toyota Prius. Other collector cars he owned included a Citroen, a 1946 Oldsmobile, and an MGB.
Chong undoubtedly went on to other cool cars. But the Jag is the only one you can put in your driveway - opens in new window or tab.. But, of course, a 62-year-old car will need care. eBay has a suitable, dedicated parts inventory - opens in new window or tab., from accessory belts to wiper blades and wheel bearings.
“This is a very beautiful barn find,” the Mark IX’s seller says. "It’s being sold as-found.”
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.