The Jaguar Mk 2 is one of the true icons of 1960s motoring, and not without good reason. Beloved of all sorts of people from business leaders to bank robbers, the compact four-door was one of the first true sports saloons, as fast and agile as it was comfortable and practical.
Back when new the Mk 2 was a very special car indeed – and this one is as special as they get today. Subject to a complete nut-and-bolt restoration, it’s in wonderful order inside and out and comes with an astonishing amount of paperwork and history – it’s a top-drawer example that’s very close to concours condition, with a fabulous backstory.
It’s a reluctant sale – the vendor had wanted a Mk 2 for years and absolutely loves the car, but a series of recent shoulder operations mean he’s no longer comfortable when driving it so he has decided to let it go to a new home. front.jpg1.08 MB
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
MOT and tax exempt, but vendor has just had the car MOT’d for peace of mind and the current test is valid until May 2024
Originally supplied to the former Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, as a company vehicle for the Bulawayo Clothing Factory
Manufactured August 1961
Jaguar Heritage certificate
Imported to the UK in 1996
Fully restored with photographic record
Folder of bills and invoices going right back to the car’s time in Zimbabwe
The cabin of this car is in superb order, the red seats retrimmed to a very high standard and the rest of the interior in beautifully preserved order, with barely any wear to the wood veneers and door cards and an excellent headlining.
There’s also a glorious late-1960s Blaupunkt radio, the ashtray appears unused and the carpets are in fabulous order.
The luggage bay is clean and the floor carpet superb, while the original spare wheel and tools are present, including a mallet and removal tool for the wire wheels.
Finished in metallic Gunmetal Grey, the Mk 2 is a wonderful looking car, set off by a very smart set of chrome-finished knock-on wire wheels with correct-spec tyres.
The paint is superb and has a fabulous shine to it, the only very minor blemishes being a tiny bubble under the paint on the offside front wing and another on the off-side rear wheel spat. There’s a photographic record that comes with the car showing the full extent of the bodywork restoration, which was carried out to an impeccable standard.
Underneath, the floors and sills appear to be in excellent order, as do the chassis rails, while all of the external chrome and trim is in lovely order. back.jpg1.01 MB
THE MECHANICS
3.4-litre XK engine
Manual transmission
Desirable manual with overdrive gearbox
Recent mechanical overhaul by well-regarded specialist
The 3,442cc XK engine is tethered with a four-speed manual transmission with overdrive, giving it genuine 100mph-plus cruising capability. It starts keenly and idles sweetly, having recently had a comprehensive mechanical overhaul by a well-known classic car specialist in Suffolk at a cost of over £16,000.
It also comes with a desirable “Double S” stainless steel exhaust system.
According to the vendor, the Mk 2 is a delight to drive and operates without any known faults. eng.jpg584.12 KB
SUMMARY
There’s a reason why the Mk 2 Jaguar is considered one of the best British classics of all-time, and this one has to be one of the finest examples on the open market. It’s in absolutely glorious condition inside and out and would require very little to make it a concours contender. As it stands, it’s truly beautiful, it’s finished in an amazing colour scheme and is one of the best examples of the archetypal classis Jaguar saloon that you’re likely to find. A stunning and beautiful car.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
