Jaguar 1.5 Litre 1936–1949 car dimensions: 4394 mm long, 1664 mm wide and 1524 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,270 kg.
The cabin matches the larger six-cylinder models in size and luxury finish. Leather Vaumol seats with Dunlopillo cushioning are fitted, front ones sliding on Leveroll rails and later ones height-adjustable. A folding armrest serves the rear bench. The walnut facia holds a full set of instruments including speedometer and rev counter. Steering column rake and height adjust. Electric wipers, dual horns, reverse and stop lamps plus two interior lamps come standard. Heating and ventilation appear on later cars, standard on Special Equipment versions.
A large integrated rear locker provides ample luggage space. The lid lowers flat to take extra bags. Tools sit in a tray inside, with the spare wheel housed in a separate under-floor compartment from 1938.
The cabin offers leather upholstery over deeply sprung padded seats with front seats on sliding rails and a folding rear armrest. Polished walnut or hardwood trim covers the facia, door cappings and surrounds, paired with thick carpets. An opening roof panel is standard, along with winding windows that have rain shields and a top-hinged windscreen that opens for airflow. The driving position includes height and rake adjustment on the steering column.
Fuel consumption around 25 mpg overall, up to 26-28 mpg in ohv form with restrained driving.
Girling mechanical rod-operated drum brakes standard.
Four-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on gears except first.
Semi-elliptic leaf springs all round with Luvax dampers.
12-volt Lucas electrical system with electric wipers and dual horns.
Fuel use settles near 25 mpg in mixed running for the sidevalve cars, improving slightly to around 26 mpg once the overhead-valve engine arrives. Owners report easy cruising in the sixties without excessive thirst when driven with a light foot.
Servicing follows the period lubrication chart covering engine oil, gearbox, rear axle and chassis points. Regular attention to the Girling brakes and SU carburetter keeps the car reliable. The instruction books detail tyre pressures, electrical checks and coachwork care.
Safety equipment centres on the Girling drum brakes that pull the car up square with light pedal effort. Semaphore trafficators, dual windscreen wipers and a full set of instruments including oil pressure and ammeter gauges form the standard kit. No formal crash ratings exist for the era.
Keeping the car means watching the wooden frame elements on early examples and the all-steel bodies that follow. Leather and wood need routine cleaning, while the hypoid rear axle and Burman steering box respond to correct lubricant. The large boot and tool kit under the lid make everyday ownership practical.
Length 4394 mm, Width 1664 mm, Height 1524 mm, Wheelbase 2860 mm (1.5 Litre 1936–1949)
Sources: manufacturer data, Wikipedia, period catalogues/enthusiasts sites and carsales.