Description
We are delighted to present this truly exceptional 1963 Jaguar MkII 3. 8 Manual — a Vicarage Jaguar master restoration, finished to an uncompromising, top-tier specification and offered in superb condition throughout.
The early history of the car is relatively undocumented; however, we have been able to trace its more recent custodianship. In May 1987, the car was acquired by Mr David Clark of Forfar, Scotland. Two years later, in May 1989, it passed to Mr Robert Sheppard of Rochdale, Lancashire. Mr Sheppard embarked upon an extensive two-year restoration. Sadly, he passed away just one month after its completion. His wife retained ownership and carefully stored the car in a dry, sealed shipping container, where it remained untouched for 23 years — preserved and protected — until a family friend within the motor trade assisted in bringing the car back to market.
On 21st June 2013, the Jaguar was acquired by Mr John Sangster of Berkshire, who immediately commissioned Vicarage Jaguar of Wolverhampton — widely regarded as one of the UK’s foremost Jaguar restoration specialists — to carry out a complete, no-expense-spared, bare-metal rebuild and comprehensive mechanical upgrade programme.
The result is a MkII restored and re-engineered to an exceptional grand touring specification, combining period character with modern reliability, performance and usability.
Body & Exterior – Fully Re-Engineered
- The car was stripped back to bare metal and refinished to an outstanding standard in Metallic China Blue, protected by a deep clear coat lacquer finish. The Webasto roof was professionally deleted, with a donor roof panel brazed in to restore the elegant original roofline. The rear wheel arches were converted to accept Coombs-style spats, and the bonnet was discreetly modified with Coombs-type louvres to improve engine bay heat extraction.
- All brightwork was either re-chromed or replaced. New front and rear screens were installed, together with new door glass and a full set of Vicarage-supplied rubber seals throughout.
- The car sits on brand-new stainless steel 6. 0 x 15, 72-spoke wire wheels, fitted with five 205/ 70VR15 Blockley radial tyres — a significant upgrade over the original 185-section specification, improving both stance and road holding.
Engine & Drivetrain – Performance and Reliability Upgrades
- The 3. 8-litre engine was completely stripped and rebuilt, incorporating:
- Unleaded cylinder head conversion
- Twin 1. 75” SU carburettors fully overhauled by an SU specialist
- Electronic ignition distributor
- High-torque starter motor
- 80-amp alternator with full negative earth conversion
- Spin-off oil filter conversion for modern filtration
- Custom aluminium radiator and expansion tank
- Kenlowe twin-speed electric cooling fan with thermostatic control
- The original cast iron manifolds were replaced with bespoke stainless steel performance headers, feeding into a full 2-inch stainless steel exhaust system, enhancing performance, efficiency and delivering a purposeful exhaust note.
- Transmission was upgraded with a Broadsport Cosworth 5-speed all-synchromesh gearbox and new propshaft — a highly desirable modification that transforms long-distance drivability. The speedometer was overhauled and recalibrated to suit the revised drivetrain and wheel specification.
Steering, Suspension & Braking – Modernised Dynamics
This example benefits from substantial chassis and handling improvements:
- Replacement of the original recirculating ball steering box with a hydraulic power steering rack and engine-driven pump
- Rear suspension converted from semi-elliptic leaf springs to Jaguar coil and damper system
- Renewal of suspension components and steering knuckles
- Polybush bearings replacing all standard rubber bushes
- The braking system was completely renewed, including:
- New vacuum servo
- New master and slave cylinders
- Upgraded later Jaguar 4-pot front callipers
These enhancements result in a MkII that retains its iconic character while offering vastly improved composure, comfort and confidence on modern roads.
Interior – Bespoke Luxury Specification
The interior has been finished to an exceptional standard.
- All woodwork was stripped and re-veneered in high-gloss Burr Walnut, beautifully cross-banded with contrasting Zebrano inlays — a level of craftsmanship rarely seen. The dashboard was discreetly modified to integrate a Vicarage-branded air conditioning system, complete with compressor and bespoke mounting brackets.
- Further refinements include:
- Uprated and modified heater unit
- Clarion NZ501E radio / satellite navigation / CD / DVD system
- Roof-mounted aerial and concealed GPS antenna
- LED upgrades to multiple interior and exterior bulbs for improved illumination and longevity
- New Lucas Altette high and low tone horns
- Upgraded XJ6 wiper motor system
Fully refurbished toolkit with replacement items sourced where available
Provenance & Recent Ownership
Following four years of ownership — and having completed the comprehensive restoration project in partnership with Vicarage Jaguar — Mr Sangster sold the car on 21st December 2017 for £95, 000 to Mr Tulloch of Illinois, USA. Despite the overseas purchase, the vehicle remained in the UK. The recorded mileage at the point of sale was 8, 593 miles, reflecting limited use following its extensive rebuild.
During Mr Tulloch’s tenure, the car continued to benefit from careful maintenance and further investment. In September 2018, MV Classics Limited were commissioned to carry out additional bodywork repairs and enhancements, with invoices on file totalling approximately £19, 000 — clear evidence of continued commitment to preserving the car’s exceptional standard.
Mr Tulloch retained ownership until the summer of 2024, when the car was sold by Classic Motor Cars to its most recent custodian here in Shropshire for £62, 000. The recorded mileage at that time was 17, 904 miles.
Summary
This is not simply a restored MkII — it is a comprehensively re-engineered, top-specification Vicarage example, blending concours-level presentation with carefully considered performance, reliability and comfort upgrades.
The 3. 8 manual is widely regarded as the most desirable of all MkII variants. Examples restored to this level — with documented Vicarage involvement, extensive mechanical and cosmetic upgrades, and significant financial investment well into six figures — are rarely available.
A truly exceptional opportunity to acquire one of the finest upgraded Jaguar MkII 3. 8 manuals on the market today: timeless 1960s elegance combined with discreet, modern grand touring capability.
MOT History On File:
2026 : Will be completed post sale
2024 : 17, 934 miles
2024 : 17, 701 miles
2023 : 16, 850 miles
2022 : 15, 738 miles
2021 : 15, 673 miles
2019 : 11, 651 miles
2017 : 8, 593 miles
2016 : 7, 893 miles
2015 : 6, 436 miles
2014 : 4, 944 miles
2013 : 2, 297 miles
2012 : 2, 046 miles
2011 : 1, 903 miles
2008 : 1, 889 miles
2005 : 1, 842 miles
2004 : 1, 826 miles
1999 : 1, 755 miles
1996 : 1, 567 miles
1994 : 1, 379 miles
1992 : 0718 miles
1989 : 0007 miles
Documents Included With Sale:
History File, Jaguar Heritage Production Record Certificate, New V5c, MOT Certificates As Above, Invoices As Below, Photograph Restoration CD, Paint Sample Chip, Interior Samples, Clarion Radio Manuals
Invoices On File:
25. 06. 2024 : £62, 000 - Classic Motor Cars, Shropshire (Car Sold)
26. 11. 2018 : £18, 955. 93 - MV Classics Ltd (Bodywork Repairs & Enhancements)
21. 12. 2017 : £95, 000. 00 - (Car Sold between John Sangster & John Tulloch)
19. 04. 2017 : £300. 98 - Vicarage Jaguar (Oil Seals & Gaskets)
06. 03. 2017 : £98. 00 - Halfords (Battery)
19. 02. 2017 : £4, 500. 00 - Dave Strange & Son Classic Car Trimming (Front Seats)
04. 01. 2016 : £160. 80 - Young & Pollock Motor Engineers (Starter Motor)
12. 03. 2015 : £408. 00 - Vicarage Jaguar (Distributor)
14. 01. 2015 : £110. 040 - Vicarage Jaguar (Rev Counter)
10. 10. 2014 : £14. 21 - Motor Parts Direct (Oil Filter)
22. 07. 2014 : £93. 00 - Rob Beere Racing (Oil Filter Conversion To Spin On)
03. 07. 2014 : £159. 00 - Kenlowe Ltd (Electric Fan)
28. 05. 2014 : £184. 80 - Young & Pollock Motor Engineers (Air Conditioning Service)
28. 05. 2014 : £119. 40 - SNG Barratt Group (Number Plate Plinth)
22. 04. 2014 : £59. 90 - Vintage Warehouse (Headlight)
29. 03. 2014 : £114. 00 - Steve Hunt (Speedo)
20. 03. 2014 : £5, 069. 55 Vicarage Jaguar (Restoration Payment - Extras)
19. 03. 2014 : £462. 00 - Vicarage Jaguar (Springs, Radio, Cover)
05. 03. 2014 : £10. 73 - M&C Wilkinson Ltd (Badge)
03. 03. 2014 : £1, 458. 00 - Vicarage Jaguar (Various)
19. 12. 2013 : £15. 32 - M&C Wilkinson Ltd (Tail Light Kens Gasket)
16. 12. 2013 : £34. 75 - Quicksilver Automotive (LED Bulbs)
11. 12. 2013 : £130. 22 - Quicksilver Automotive (LED Bulbs)
09. 12. 2013 : £4. 05 - Altec Sales & Service (Rubber Terminal Covers)
06. 12. 2013 : £18. 69 - AGM (Push Button Starter Solenoid)
03. 12. 2013 : £8, 073. 12 - Vicarage Jaguar (Restoration Payment)
28. 10. 2013 : £6, 401. 98 - Vicarage Jaguar (Restoration Payment)
24. 10. 2013 : £1, 897. 30 - MWS International (Wheels)
04. 10. 2013 : £12, 727. 13 - Vicarage Jaguar (Restoration Payment)
23. 09. 2013 : £1, 170. 00 - SC Parts Group (Stainless Steel Exhaust)
17. 09. 2013 : £18. 96 - SNG Barratt Group (Dunlop Bleed Tin)
11. 09. 2013 : £135. 18 - Ignition Car Parts Ltd (Distributor & Ignition Coil)
22. 07. 2013 : £9, 273. 12 - Vicarage Jaguar (Restoration Payment)
Included with Every Purchase
Every classic car purchased from The Forge during this period includes a comprehensive ownership package, thoughtfully curated to provide exceptional value and complete peace of mind:
- Complimentary UK Delivery – within 150 miles
- Pre-Delivery Inspection
- MOT Certification
- Oil & Filter Service
- 3-Month Mechanical Warranty
- Professional Valet & Detailing, including a Stage 1 Polish
- Comprehensive History File, including all accompanying documentation
- Two Weeks Post-Sale Storage Included, Additional storage thereafter charged at £40 + VAT per week
Optional Extras
Classic Car Starter Kit – £300
Includes:
- Custom-fit super-soft stretch indoor car cover featuring your vehicle’s logo
- NOCO smart battery charger, professionally wired to your battery
- Draper drip tray for clean and safe storage
Classic Car Starter Kit Plus – £500
Includes everything in the Starter Kit, plus:
- Custom-fit waterproof outdoor cover in discreet grey
- Ideal for secure, all-weather protection
Lanoguard Underbody Treatment – £350
Includes:
- Thorough jet wash and underside clean
- Removal of all wheels and protection of sensitive components (brakes, bodywork, etc.)
- Treatment of light surface corrosion using appropriate abrasive methods
- Even application of Lanoguard across the entire underside
- 24-hour curing period within our facility
- Full before-and-after photographic record
Autoguard Extended Mechanical Warranty – from £295
Extend your mechanical warranty to:
- 6 months – £295
- 12 months – £395
Viewings & Inspections
All viewings are strictly by appointment only.
Test drives and independent inspections are warmly welcomed, with full access to our in-house vehicle lift, allowing detailed inspection both above and below the vehicle.
Important Information
While every effort is made to ensure all descriptions and details are accurate, we cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions.
We strongly recommend that all prospective purchasers personally inspect and verify the vehicle prior to purchase.
