Few car facelifts have ever worked as well as the Jaguar Mk2. By enlarging the glasshouse of the 1950s Mk1, widening the rear track and dropping the 3.8 litre version of its XK engine under the bonnet, Jaguar created the original and definitive super saloon. Beloved equally of gentry and getaway drivers.
The 3.8 Manual Overdrive (MOD) is peak Mk2. Which makes it arguably one of the greatest saloon cars of the last 60 years. This example, finished in lovely light blue metallic with blue leather interior, is the one to have: apparently one of the last 2,000 3.8 Mk2s to leave Coventry it is a MOD car with the much improved ‘all synchro’ gearbox and the benefit of power steering.
The car was restored in 1998 and has been with the same owner ever since. Light, regular use, regular maintenance, and a dry climate have ensured that investment in the car has held up. As an older restoration this Mk2 is one that can be used and enjoyed, revelling in the still-startling performance of that 3.8 litre engine.
The History And Paperwork
Same owner since 1998
Restored in 1998 over one year
Last serviced one month ago
Matching numbers car
The Interior
Retrimmed in dark blue leather
Veneers in very good condition
All lights and switches work correctly
The interior of a Mk2 is one of its greatest attractions, combining big comfy armchairs with a fascia filled with wood and character. The cost of maintaining all that detail craftsmanship can lead to some Mk2s feeling a little careworn inside. Not so this car, which has very good veneers with no obvious delamination across the dashboard, door tops or door surrounds. Only a small, localised area of damage around the glove box – caused by an attempted burglary – is visible in the photographs.
All the lights and dials function correctly, except for the clock, which is a common Mk2 issue. The multitude of beautiful details that make a Mk2 interior so delightful, such as the chrome quarter light knobs and numerous chrome ashtrays, are all in very good working condition. A period radio is fitted and the seller tells us that it works.
The original red Ambla vinyl interior of this car was replaced when it was restored in 1998 with dark blue leather to complement the resprayed bodywork. The carpets were replaced at the same time and retain their colour and condition.
Enthusiasts will notice that the detail stitching work on the front and rear seats differs from factory original specification, but they have been trimmed to a high standard and are very similar to the originals. Together with the carpets and door cards – which can be prone to distortion and warping - they are in good condition, reflecting the patina of 25 years of light use.
The original complete tool kit is supplied with the car as well as a vinyl boot cover. The original manual is also supplied but the Seller states that it is in poor condition.
The Exterior
Full shell resprayed in 1998 to current opalescent blue
Good door and boot fit with no obvious deterioration
Older restoration with some light signs of regular use
Brightwork complete, appears original and in good condition
Condition reflects life in a dry climate
The Mk2 may be beautiful, but its bodywork can also be its Achilles Heel. These cars rust and when they do all that swooping bodywork can be expensive to restore. Alongside the typical areas of arches, sills, wings and boot floors, Mk2s also rot out through the bases of the doors and boot due to blocked drainage channels, often caused by poor restorations.
The photographs of this car indicate that it doesn’t suffer from those problems. It is an older restoration so there are signs of wear and tear, such as some small chips on the leading edge of the bonnet, localised deterioration of the offside rear spat and lower wheel arch and some cosmetic deterioration of the boot edge. Under the bonnet there is evidence of deterioration under the battery, which is a common Mk2 issue. The car’s life in a relatively dry climate has probably helped the 25 year old restoration stand up.
This Mk2 was originally cream white, but the Seller had it professionally resprayed when he bought it in 1998. He says that it is an original Jaguar colour – it appears to be Opalescent Silver Blue, a colour that was used on Mk2s in 1965 so would be period correct.
The plethora of chrome brightwork on this car appears to be in good, original condition and is all complete. The chrome wire wheels are also good, with only some light damage to the spinners likely caused by removing and replacing them.
The Mechanics
Matching numbers 3.8 litre XK engine
All synchro four speed overdrive manual gearbox
Power steering fitted
Factory standard specification
Last serviced in December 2022
Electronic ignition fitted
The XK engine and desirable all synchro box fitted to this car are generally very robust. Regular scheduled maintenance is vital and the Seller advises he has done this throughout his 25 years of ownership. This is a matching numbers car and although there is little service history, the Seller tells us that it is ‘lovely to drive’ with no untoward noises, creaks, rattles or other causes for concern. It is used regularly for leisure and weddings.
Given its usage, luckily this car is fitted with power steering, which makes this car much very useable and manoeuvrable for modern driving.
Electronic ignition is a useful upgrade fitted to this car. It is otherwise standard, including the automatic choke system.
Summary
The Mk2 is the classic 60s Jaguar you can enjoy with friends and family. It’s a saloon car and a capable sports car. The 3.8 MOD is the one to have and this car is finished in one of the loveliest and most popular classic Jaguar colours. The older restoration gives the car a tasteful patina of age while the overall condition and dry climate location indicate it can be used and enjoyed straight away. The all syncho manual box, overdrive and power steering complete a compelling and very useable classic saloon package.
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.
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