Highlights
- Extensively modified for daily use, resulting in one of the most driveable MK II Jaguars around
- Equipped with a Sigma engine and five-speed Getrag manual gearbox
- Lowered / modified suspension and uprated brakes
- Wax protected, fitted with a stainless steel exhaust, uprated heater and new wiper motor for year-round driving
The Appeal
Concours lawns strewn with mirror-polished exotica are all very well, but we confess that we’re equally excited to see a classic car that’s been prepared for driving, rather than to collect rosettes. One glance at this Jaguar MK II and you can see that it’s a ‘driver’. That’s not to say it isn’t smart, in fact quite the opposite is true. But any seasoned Jaguar enthusiast will note that there have been a number of sensible alterations which make it a 59 year-old car you could actually use every day.
Its 3.8-litre XK straight-six has been breathed upon by renowned specialist Sigma Engineering and it’s paired to a strong and long legged 5ive-speed Getrag manual gearbox. Handling has been enhanced accordingly with six inches removed from the ride height and the addition of double acting rear shock absorbers. Unsprung weight is kept to a minimum with 15x6” Minilite alloys and the braking system has been thoroughly overhauled with Fosseway vented front discs and new hydraulics.
The list of mechanical improvements goes on, and elsewhere the car has received a great deal of attention in readiness for regular use. The previous owner commissioned all this work so they could drive it everyday and the vendor comments that it’s an immensely usable example as a result.
The list of mechanical improvements goes on, and elsewhere the car has received a great deal of attention in readiness for regular use. The previous owner commissioned all this work so they could drive it everyday and the vendor comments that it’s an immensely usable example as a result.
If the idea of a well sorted, high performance classic Jaguar appeals, then this is the car for you.
The History and Paperwork
- Advisory-free MOT valid until February 2024 - although exempt due to age
- We’re informed that the true mileage is approximately 50,000 miles, although the odometer was reset upon completion of the various upgrades
- The odometer currently reads 4,902 miles
- V5C present and recording one previous owner as it would appear the car was previously re-registered with the DVLA, for which correspondence is also included
- Accompanied by numerous invoices detailing the various upgrades and other restoration work carried out in recent years
- Copy of an official MK II Spare Parts catalogue
The Interior
- Completely retrimmed
- All the leather upholstery looks to be in fantastic condition, with barely any wear
- Some light patina to the woodwork but nothing excessive
- USB outlet and VDO analogue clock added
- Uprated heater
- Modern fuse box with blade type fuses accessed via the glovebox
- Very smart cream carpeting
- The pedal rubbers are moderately worn
- Smart headlining in very good overall condition and complete with sun visors
- Well presented boot space lined in Hardura
- Waterproof plastic battery box fastened with a ratchet strap
- Full-size spare alloy, trolley jack, axle stands and other assorted tools / accessories included
Usability was clearly the watchword when this interior was restored. We enjoy how on the one hand it retains period correct controls, upholstery and woodwork, on the other hand it also features USB charging outlets, phone holder, an easily accessible modern fuse box, clock and various other discreet upgrades.
The leather upholstery has all been redone and is in excellent order as a result. Some of the woodwork exhibits some imperfections, but certainly nothing especially noticeable. All is clean, well presented and in very nice condition.
The Exterior
- British Racing Green paintwork in very good overall condition
- We’re assured that the underside has been heavily wax coated in order to withstand British weather
- The bonnet is fitted with quick-release catches using ‘R’ pins
- It would appear that the front bumper is a little misaligned, although the chrome looks in fine order
- Straight, corrosion-free bodywork
- All looks good underneath, with just a smattering of light surface rust to in a few areas
- Sitting upon Minilite alloy wheels fastened with centre spinners
- There is some slight ‘orange peel’ and bloom to some of the paint, but this doesn’t detract at all from its smart appearance
- No significant scratches or other blemishes
Evoking the Coombs 3.8-litre racing MK IIs of the period, this Jag looks fantastic on Minilite wheels and the fact it’s been lowered further nods to the performance hiding beneath the bonnet.
As befits a car prepared for driving regularly, the paintwork and chrome is not overly pristine and yet it’s by no means tired either. With ist British Racing Green shining brightly, it looks great from any angle and the solid bodywork beneath makes this a fantastic example. We’re informed that it has been thoroughly wax protected in order to preserve it over the winter and this has clearly paid dividends in recent years as all appears remarkably solid.
The Mechanics
- 3.8-litre XK straight-six prepared by Sigma Engineering
- Five-speed Getrag manual gearbox
- Said to be running and driving very well indeed
- New clutch fitted
- Suspension lowered by six inches
- Equipped with double acting rear shock absorbers
- LMA604 alternator
- New brake master cylinder, servo and reservoir
- Fosseway vented front discs
- stainless steel exhaust
- New wiper motor
Jaguar enthusiasts will likely have heard of Sigma Engineering and we're delighted to report that they had a hand in this MK II’s engine. The vendor assures us that it runs very well, makes plenty of power and sounds wonderful through a stainless steel exhaust system. A five-speed Getrag manual gearbox makes this car eminently driveable and the vendor points out the handling improvements gained by lowering the suspension. It comes to a stop courtesy of new brake hydraulics and Fosseway ventilated discs up front. We’re assured that everything works exactly as it should, with no known issues.
Summary
A challenge of classic car ownership is finding the opportunities to drive them although we don’t foresee that issue with this one. This immensely well presented and thoroughly sorted MK II is one of our favourite classic Jaguars as we could see ourselves using it all the time.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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