Description
Kelham Hall | Newark, Nottinghamshire
Viewing: Tues 17th March 2026 from 12pm
Auction: Weds 18th March 2026
Location: Kelham Hall Main Street, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG23 5QX
1961 Jaguar MkII 3. 8
Desirable, manual / overdrive, home market car with an exceptional history file
Estimate
£25, 000 - £30, 000
Registration No: 3 GNK
Chassis No: 205387DN
MOT: December 2026
Treasured by its first two owners for fifty years
80, 000 miles from new
Never allowed to deteriorate to the point of needing comprehensive restoration
Singularly impressive and extensive history file dating back to the initial purchase invoice
Original and valuable registration number '3 GNK'
For many, the definitive Jaguar sports Saloon, the MkII was introduced in October 1959. A peerless blend of elegance and muscularity, its sleek lines clothed an evolution of the Coventry marque's first monocoque design. Powered by derivatives of the same XK DOHC straight-six engine that had swept Jaguar to five Le Mans victories, the MkII was quick to dominate contemporary Saloon car racing. Equipped with coil-and-wishbone independent front suspension, a leaf-sprung Salisbury rear axle and servo-assisted four-wheel disc brakes, the range-topping 3. 8 boasted nearly seven times the horsepower of a Mini 850 and a 126mph top speed! Blessed with one of the all-time great automotive interiors, its stylish instrumentation, rich wood veneers and sumptuous leather upholstery all conspired to cosset and cocoon occupants.
Having part-exchanged a two-year old Rover P5 3 Litre Saloon against his purchase of chassis 205387DN during June 1961, the Jaguar’s first owner soon became enamoured with it. Responsible for collating much of the documentation contained within the MK2’s singularly impressive history file, he specified the sports saloon with a four-speed manual plus overdrive gearbox, high ratio steering box and Suede Green leather upholstery. Bearing the distinctive number plate ‘3 GNK’, the four-seater was serviced by H. A. Saunders Ltd of Rickmansworth and its Mann Egerton successor up until 1974 at 57, 903 miles having been supplied by the Imperial Motor Mart of Royal Crescent, Cheltenham (another arm of the Saunders business). Acquired by its second keeper in October 1980 at 77, 000 miles, he barely drove ‘3 GNK’ during his thirty-two year tenure but nevertheless treated it to a new headlining, carpets and sundry re-chroming. Joining a marque collection in 2013, the sports saloon was stripped of paint before being finished in its current Lister Green hue. Undergoing its last change of registered keeper during 2021, the four-seater is warranted to have covered a modest 80, 000 miles from new. A long term Jaguar enthusiast, the vendor was drawn to ‘3 GNK’ by its condition and authenticity. Thought to have never undergone any major chassis / bodywork repairs, the MK2 pleasingly retains its original book pack (Jaguar wallet, operating, service and maintenance handbook, manufacturer’s warranty card, service facilities listing etc) not to mention a ‘timewarp’ interior. Visually enhanced with Coombs-style rear wheelarches, bullet wing mirrors and painted wire wheels, the sports saloon started readily during our recent photography session (perhaps unsurprising given that it benefited from a thorough engine overhaul and new clutch circa 1, 500 miles ago). A desirable, ‘home market’ MK2 3. 8 litre manual / overdrive car offered for sale with an unusually extensive history file, tool kit and MOT certificate valid until December 2026.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
