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
1960 Jaguar Mk. II 3. 8
Estimate
£18, 000 - £22, 000
Registration No: YYJ 940
Chassis No: BMJ61P215114BW
MOT: Exempt
Initially built to left-hand drive specification for the U. S. market, but repatriated to Britain from the car-friendly climate of California
In current ownership since 2008 and extensively upgraded since
Fitted with a five-speed gearbox, XJ6 steering rack, high-power starter motor, power steering, and more!
Highly desirable 3. 8-litre Mk. II
For many the definitive Jaguar sports Saloon, the Mk. II 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 Mk. II 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.
American sports-car enthusiasts famously loved the E-type, but less well-known is the fact that Mk. IIs found appreciative homes Stateside. This 3. 8-litre was one of them—manufactured on October 31st, 1960, it was dispatched to Jaguar Cars New York on November 11th. Having been restored circa 1990 in Opalescent Maroon, it ended up living in California’s car-friendly climate, prior to being reimported into Britain in 1994. It remained in single ownership until it was acquired by our vendor in 2008, who set about turning it into his vision of the perfect Mk. II.
He began in 2008 by converting it to RHD, and added a stainless exhaust in 2010. The brake servo and discs were reconditioned in 2015, and a multitude of work was carried out in 2020 including bodywork repairs, and fitment of new brake pads and new chrome wire wheels. In 2022, the radiator was reconditioned and a high-power starter fitted, while in 2025 the carburettors were rebuilt and the cylinder head was skimmed. And there’s more: with electronic ignition, dynamotor, power steering, an XJ6 steering rack and a five-speed Toyota gearbox, this Mk. II is perhaps more “super saloon” than “sports saloon.” The paperwork includes many invoices, M. O. T. s dating back to 1994, old tax discs and a J. D. H. T. heritage certificate.
** 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).
