The MkII Jag is a timeless classic. Whether you appreciate the beautiful, flowing curves of the bodywork, the powerful and characterful straight six or the fabulous driving experience, it's easy to see why they are so popular with enthusiasts.

Incredibly, the current owner has had this car since 1983. During that time he has replaced the engine and stripped the car to completely restore it: upgrading, repairing or replacing, welding and painting to create a lovely car, which has only covered limited mileage since.

Mark II Jaguars have always had lovely interiors and this one is a work of art, presented in beautiful condition. During the restoration, the entire cabin was stripped and every item either restored or replaced as necessary.

The leather seats have been re-coloured but retain a gentle and authentic patina to the hide. Meanwhile the padding holds the correct shape, so overall they are in great condition and a delight to look at. The door cards have been replaced with new items as has the carpet, all of which look superb.

All of the wood in the cabin – across the dashboard, door caps and B posts – has been professionally restored and now looks like new. The instruments and controls all look good, and there is an original radio which is unfortunately not in working order. The owner has also added a classic wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel. Finally, a new headlining was installed and new static seat belts have been fitted to all four seats.

The boot area is lined with a black vinyl floor guard and includes a part tool kit, full size spare wheel and a jack (from a 1960s S-Type).

For the rebuild, the car was completely stripped and, where required, new metal let in or panels replaced. It was then professionally painted and the underside and all box sections and cavities generously treated with WaxOyl.

Following its full bare metal restoration, the shell appears very good indeed with smooth, blemish-free panels. The paintwork has been finished to a very high standard. When the car was rebuilt new window and door rubbers were also installed. The only two minor issues to note with the bodywork are that the rear arch-spats are not fitted and need some adjustment to seat correctly. Also, the lower inner edges of the doors are beginning to show signs of some light chipping and surface corrosion.

Overall, the brightwork is superb, the grill, bumpers and leaper are all excellent and wear a deep shine. There is some minor micro-pitting on the rear bumper, the tail light plinths and door handles. New chrome wire wheels were fitted in 2010 which feature stainless steel spokes and still look like new, although the owner advises that the tyres are ready to be changed due to their age.

Underneath, the vehicle is in exceptional condition, with no evidence of any corrosion or damage at all. During the restoration, the front subframe was removed, stripped and powder-coated for longevity.

A previous owner had changed the engine to a 3.4-litre, and converted the car from an automatic transmission to a manual with overdrive. The current owner restored the car to it's correct 3.8-litre specification in 1986, although they retained the manual transmission.

When the 3.8-litre straight-six was rebuilt, everything was machined and balanced for perfect, smooth running. The bores were honed, crank ground, as well as new valves, guides and pistons being installed. The clutch, timing chains and oil pump were also replaced. Since then the carburettors have been rebuilt and recently the head developed a crack which was professionally repaired. A new radiator was also fitted, using new stainless steel hose clips. The heater was stripped, powder coated and a new matrix fitted. A new wiring loom was installed and new zinc-coated fasteners used throughout the car.

Under the car all new kunifer brake pipes were made and the brakes were rebuilt with all new components while the owner took the opportunity to upgrade the front brakes. The front suspension was then stripped, hot metal sprayed and powder coated before refitting. 

The car still appears very solid and the owner tells us it drives very well indeed and sounds "powerful".

This is a superb example of a Jaguar Mk2. The white and red combination looks fantastic and the restoration has been done very well. As such there is very little that needs to be done by the new owner. It has had a huge amount spent on parts and work and really does look excellent.

With a few finishing touches and a new set of tyres, you'll have an absolutely superb classic Jaguar on your hands. Who wouldn't want that?