The Jaguar Mk 2 is one of the true icons of 1960s motoring, and not without good reason. Beloved of all sorts of people from business leaders to bank robbers, the compact four-door was one of the first true sports saloons, as fast and agile as it was comfortable and practical.
Overall, then, the Mk 2 was a very special car indeed – and this one is brimming with potential. Originally a UK-supplied example, it’s a genuine early car with desirable manual transmission and is being sold in good running order by a French enthusiast. The car has been away from the UK for several years, having been owned in Germany before moving to France.
It’s an older restoration with an immaculately retrimmed interior, but time has taken its toll on the paintwork, which would really benefit from a spruce-up. On the plus side, it appears to be in very good structural order. Although we can't say much about any mechanical expenses we can quote the Jag-enthusiast owner who says that he finds it "very fast". It’s a delightful, easy project for its next owner.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Original buff log book
First supplied to Cyril Williams Motors Ltd of Wolverhampton in 1961
Originally registered as 8921 JW
Original owners’ manual
Factory document wallet
Exported to Germany several years ago – export paperwork included
Now part of collection in France
Easy to reimport to UK
MOT and tax exempt in UK
NOTE: For any interested parties, the vendor has advised that they are happy to help with the transport of the vehicle outside of France.
THE INTERIOR
Very good red leather
Previously retrimmed
Wood-capped doors and dash
Good original headlining
While the exterior of the Mk 2 shows its age, the cabin is in superb order, the red seats retrimmed to a very high standard and the rest of the interior in beautifully preserved order, with restored wood veneers and original door cards and a what looks like a good headlining (one small hole is present).
There’s also a glorious late-1960s Becker radio-cassette player from the very early days of compact cassettes – a highly collectable item in its own right.
The luggage bay is clean and clear with wear to the floor mat, while the original spare wheel and tools are present.
THE EXTERIOR
Gunmetal Metallic
Wire wheels
Tired exterior paintwork
Appears very solid underneath
While it might not gleam like a concours restoration, the Mk 2 is a wonderfully honest example that appears to be structurally excellent in all the right places. The chassis has seen previous welded repairs, but they’re neat and well-finished, as well as being properly painted and protected for the future.
There’s very little body rust, either – a smattering of rust bubbles to the rear of the near-side front wheel arch and on the bottom of the off-side rear wheel arch, but nothing horrendous or seemingly difficult to sort out as it is all non-perforating.
The chrome is largely presentable, too, albeit with minor pitting. The paint will require rectification if you want to turn the Mk 2 into a show car, though, as it’s faded and dull all over, with several areas where it has worn away, cracked or bloomed. The shabby chic look has an appeal of its own and if you want a Mk 2 3.8 to simply drive and enjoy, or to use as a basis for a historic motorsport project it’s fine as it is, but if it’s a show car you want then you’ll need to budget for a respray.
THE MECHANICS
3.8-litre XK engine
Manual transmission
120mph performance
Runs and drives
Rebuilt front drivetrain
Although this is a project car and a thorough inspection is recommended before using it on the road, it does run and drive and goes into all gears, with functioning disc brakes and a smart and well-presented engine bay. The front drivetrain has been completely overhauled as evidenced in the pictures. The owner informs us that the carburettors will need to be synchronized.
Moreover, it’s the 3.8 – the very same engine as used in the E-Type and a devilishly quick car for its day, coupled to an overdrive-equipped four-speed manual transmission that allows for quick off-the-mark performance and extremely civilised high-speed cruising.
SUMMARY
The 3.8-litre models are the most desirable of all Mk2s and this one’s a real charmer – a car that’s fundamentally straight and sound and could be put into use straight away after a mechanical health check, or alternatively given a cosmetic restoration and taken right up to the next level without major work.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased. Car & Classic may refer a shipping company that also deals with import/export paperwork. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
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1961 Jaguar MK 2 3.8 RHD
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