Jaguar Mark 1 to Mark 2 Facelift

Jaguar's circa-1960 mid-size model was a market success.  These were produced from 1955 into 1969.   Retroactively, two main generations are identified: Mark 1 (1955-1959) and Mark 2 (1959-1967), also the 240 and 340 models based on the Mark 2 body (1968-1969).

The Mark 2 was a facelifted Mark 1, though the main area that was modified was the passenger compartment greenhouse.

These cars featured unit-bodies rather than previous Jaguars that had body-on frame construction.  Unit bodies are more expensive to modify because the body is a structural unit with the strength to support the mechanical parts of the car -- what the frame did in the body-on-frame case.  This meant that body changes could not be too drastic if it were to be affordable for a firm of Jaguar's capitalization.

The facelift is shown in the images below.

Gallery

1958 Jaguar Mark 1 3.4-Litre - Gallery Aaldering photos
This is a left-hand drive version sold in Holland or perhaps elsewhere on the Continent.

1961 Jaguar Mark 2 3.8-Litre - car-for-sale photos
Aside from minor details at the front, the main difference shown from this angle is the slightly wider windshield and narrower A-pillar framing.

1959 Jaguar Mark 1 3.4-Litre - photo via Classic Car Garage

The roof appears flatter, due to the higher profile of the side windows and related revised door framing.  That chrome framing reduces the visual bulk of the B-pillar.  Rear door windows are longer as well, reducing the size of the C-pillar.  The shape of the retractable window segment also was changed.  The result is an airier greenhouse.  Door handles are slightly repositioned.

The major change from this perspective is the larger backlight window that further reduces the size of the C-pillar.  Tail light assemblies are redesigned.
As best I can tell, these changes, especially regarding the A-pillar, imply less structural rigidity in the case of a rollover accident.  Remember, this facelift took place more than a decade before American regulations regarding accident safety were implemented.  Even so, later Jaguar four-door cars featured similar thin-looking A- and B-pillars: Perhaps there was enough structural strength to satisfy the bureaucrats.