The Mark 2 Jaguar is perhaps the ultimate expression of automotive mischief; a playful sports car hidden inside a demure and grown-up body.
This Coventry icon may have been developed with the express aim of fulfilling Sir William Lyons’ game-plan of ‘grace, pace and space’, but when you get down to brass tacks this is a cops ‘n’ robbers car; it has wisecracking bad behaviour interwoven through its very DNA.
No wonder this chassis made for such a successful Touring Car racer. Those sober lines hide a lot of get-up-and-go.
The Mark 2 is such a popular entity on the classic scene that people often apply the name to the lesser-spotted Mark 1 as well – understandable, as they are very similar.
The main differences are that the Mark 2 has a markedly larger glass area – including a wider windscreen, a more wraparound rear window and the signature D-shaped rear side windows – along with all-wheel disc brakes, a wider rear track, and a better heater.
The little badge on the rear bumper warns drivers of lesser cars that the Jag is running discs and thus has superior stopping power – although if you’re close enough to read it, it’s probably already too late…
It’s not just a racy tearaway, however. The Mark 2 is usefully large, impressively luxurious, and offers a cosseting and thoroughly pleasant ride.
With a beautiful design which has mellowed into one of the all-time greats, and pleasingly rugged mechanicals, this is a usable and satisfying classic – one to enjoy every day if the fancy takes you.
Whether it makes you feel like a 1960s bank manager or like you’ve just done over a bookie’s depends entirely on the eagerness of your right foot.
When you’re buying a car of this age and stature, the most reassuring possible scenario is to learn that it’s been looked after throughout its life by owners who really care about it. And that’s very much the case with this Jaguar.
Indeed, it was in the ownership of the same gentleman from the 1980s all the way through to the late-2000s, with a huge amount of documentation to prove how much care and attention he lavished upon it.
When he finally put it up for sale, it’s telling that the next owner was London’s Classic Car Club – a private hire and experiential outfit who hand-pick exemplary examples for their clients’ use. (And, naturally, look after the fleet with a no-expense-spared approach.)
What’s also notable about this car is that it started life as a 3.4, but has been upgraded to full-fat 3.8 spec, and correctly re-registered as such.
It’s had a huge amount of time and expense when it comes to restoration endeavours; RS Coachworks was the revered name behind the work, and it’s also received a new leather interior and headlining, recent clutch and much more besides.
Purchased in 2015, prior to the incredible classic car market growth we saw from 2016 onwards, for a substantial figure of £28,500, as seen from the bill of sale. The file of documentation is huge and extensive. If you want to read up on how the chassis components were greased by Jones Brothers of Clapham in 1987, that’s all here to see. Handwritten maintenance docs from the 1990s? Fill your boots.
More pertinently, all of the more recent restoration work is carefully documented: the full retrim in Connolly hide is itemised, new front wings, welded repairs to the rear suspension area, renewed bushes, re-skinned doors, lead-loaded and butt-welded bootlid, it’s all laid bare for your perusal.
We can also see that it’s been living as a 3.8 for most of its life, as this is what the invoices as far back as the late-1980s are referring to it as.
There’s a sheaf of old MOTs in the file; the Jaguar sailed through its current MOT with no advisories in April.
Having received a full retrim in Connolly hide, the cabin of this Mark 2 exudes an air of true class.
The seats are in lovely condition front and rear, and aside from the trim having come slightly free on one edge of the hideaway rear armrest, it’s all beautifully presented. Seatbelts are fitted front and rear. The headlining has also been replaced and is excellent.
The wood trim of the dash and door cappings is in uniformly good condition all around, with no evidence of sun damage or cracking, it all looks very classy and tasteful.
The correct gauges and switchgear are present and functional, and the car is fitted with a superb Mota-Lita steering wheel.
The windows open and close as they should, and there’s a period push-button radio. Inside the boot it’s dry and solid, with a spare wire wheel with decent tyre hidden beneath the floor.
British Racing Green really is the dream colour for a Mark 2 Jag, isn’t it? And the paintwork is superb throughout, the restoration work having been carried out to a high standard.
The repairs to the doors and the replacement of the front wings is all testament to the skills of RS Coachworks, as the fit and finish is very good throughout with even gaps and solid metalwork. It all appears to be pleasingly solid underneath too.
The correct chrome trim and badging is in place (including the 3.8 boot badge which, of course, has been its calling card for decades), and all of the light lenses and window glass are good.
The Jaguar wears superb wire wheels with knock-off spinners, and they’re shod with high-quality Blockley tyres with plenty of tread. We find no evidence of dents, scuffs or scratches, it really is very well presented throughout.
A 3.8-litre Mark 2 offers a unique driving experience, at once smooth and cossetting while also hinting at its underlying swells of power and performance prowess.
The engine in this car is in very fine fettle, having always been looked after and maintained by specialists, and it runs like a dream – it fires easily, revs freely, and is happy to cruise through London traffic without overheating.
The manual transmission is a sought-after element and it shifts smoothly; the power-steering is also very desirable with these cars. The big Jag rides beautifully, brakes strongly, and is a thoroughly pleasant thing to drive.
There’s a real feeling of solidity and robustness to it, testament to its years of love and care.
The 3.8-litre Mark 2 has always had a lot going for it, with its delectable combination of sumptuous interior trimmings, readily accessible power, and a chassis which is equally adept at smoothing out bumps as it is hanging on through the twisties.
And if a Mark 2 is on your wish-list, this one makes a very strong case for itself: it has a massive history file so you forensically examine everything that’s been done to it. All the right bits have been done, and all carried out by renowned specialists.
It’s beautifully presented throughout, and a joy to drive. Your cops ‘n’ robbers fantasies could become a magnificent reality with this wonderful British classic.
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1965 Jaguar Mark 2
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