• Gorgeous straight six engine

• Desirable manual overdrive gearbox

• Very solid body

• Power steering

The backbone of Jaguar's sales has historically always been concentrated around their saloon models and in the 1950s, this was no exception. However, Jaguar's Mk.VII was the only choice on offer. To increase sales, Sir William Lyons envisioned a smaller, cheaper and higher volume car to fill this gap in the market.

Little did he know, he was about to nurture the birth of a motoring icon.Launched in 1959, the Mark 2 was a totally revised version of Jaguar's Mark 1, Jaguar's highly successful compact luxury saloon released in 1956.

Available with a range of Jaguar's legendary XK straight-six, in 2.4, 3.4 and 3.8 flavours and both manual and automatic gearboxes, the range topping, 125 mph 3.8 was the world's fastest production saloon car at the time. It's no wonder the Mark 2 became the wheels of choice for some of London's more 'colourful' characters!

This car is believed to of been registered on 25th of October 1961, according to the registration document. Little is known of its early history, but it is understood to have been exported very soon afterwards to New Zealand. Re-patriated sometime in the ‘90s , it then underwent a very thorough restoration with it’s MOT recorded in 2008 with only 7 miles on the clock.

Without any prior history, we must assume that the speedometer was restored at the time & reset to zero. Since 2008 it appears to of only covered the indicated 4700 miles and the mot history would appear to confirm this.

The car is currently being offered for sale on behalf of the second UK registered owner.

There is a current V5c document, various receipts for parts during restoration and over the last few years.

The interior has been re-upholstered in red leather with black carpets which would appear to be new at restoration. Jaguar's trademark walnut dash looks excellent, with all dials and switches working as they should. 

Roof lining and door cards are also looking exceptional, and we can presume were replaced along with other interior trims.

There is a little lifting of the veneer on the rear window wooden door capping’s, but something which is easily rectified if required by the new owner.

Overall, a very tidy interior which has benefited from a well-executed re-fit.

Looking resplendant in its 'Masons Black' (or should we call it Gangster's black?) paintwork, this Jag certainly has an intimidating, yet beautiful stance, sitting on iconic chrome wire wheels. 

The sills and wheel arches show no signs of any rust and would appear to be very sound and almost certainly replaced during restoration works.

Paintwork is over all very good with just the odd chip here and there showing that the car has been used and we would suggest then kept in a dry garage.  

Probably only then used on high dry days as there is certainly no signs of damp inside the car including the very solid boot.

Again, overall, this Jag presents very well and would appear to not need any exterior work for the foreseeable future.

Under the bonnet is very clean and tidy, with the engine area having been resprayed at restoration.

The engine itself runs smoothly and quietly when warmed up with no smoke visible on start-up or when running. On the move, it appears to slip into gear with ease and no juddering was present when driven to the photoshoot with the suspension feeling plush with no adverse noises.

The exhaust note is typically fantastic, with the XK engine providing an evocative, deep throaty roar, amplified by those characteristic twin cut, slashed tailpipes.

We would suggest that the wiring was replaced at restoration as this appears to be in excellent condition.

It has recently had a new clutch fitted less than 1000 miles ago. Power steering has been fitted too which makes this Mark 2 far more usable. This added usability should make those Post Office blags a tad easier!

The Mark 2 Jag has to be one of the ultimate 60’s icons. Popular with both the Police and criminals during the period for its speed and handling, it became the star of many a car chase on the silver screen.
Well suited as a daily driver for the discerning person who wants something a bit special, a weekend car or even something to hire out for period TV shows, this Mark 2, whatever its intended use, would make an excellent addition to any garage.

Just don't be surprised if seeing Sweeney in your rear view mirror becomes a regular occurrence...