• One of only 2,630 made and one of the last to be produced
• Restored 20 years ago
• Former ‘Ghent’ Collection car
• Power steering and uprated cylinder head model
• £3,500 worth of mechanical renewal
• Original interior
The Appeal
Jaguars' reputation for solid engineering with a racing edge firmly places their iconic MK2 as one of the finest saloons ever made. By placing the robust 3.4-litre XK engine into a compact and sleek unitary body, the MK2’s arrival in 1959 not only instilled a sense of style, speed and luxury but also found favour with owners from all walks of life. Its sedate and luxurious appointment was appreciated by the well-heeled, the handling and poise endeavoured it to the race track, and rather famously, the criminal fraternity favoured the car for its space and pace.
This particular car rolled off the Coventry plant in 1968, making it one of the last MK2 340 badged cars to be produced, with the chassis number corresponding as among the batch of the last 200 produced. As Jaguar readied themselves for the upcoming XJ6, the later 340s received the superior E-Type straight port cylinder head along with the desirable Marles power steering. This 1968 car was subject to restoration some 20 years ago and then placed into a private collection. It was mechanically recommissioned last year having not covered much more than 1000 miles in the last 10 years.
The owner has a great eye for classic cars, particularly Jaguars, and was drawn to this car because of its solid base and previous restoration. According to the old MOTs, the car was in regular usage from the 1990s until the late 2000s, before undergoing a body restoration in the early 2000s, which included a bare metal respray and chrome work.
The car was added to a private collection in a showroom in Ghent, Belgium during the early part of the 2010s. Following the car's repatriation back into the UK in 2020, the current owner interest piqued as a potential project. The car was swiftly re-registered for use in the UK, a painless experience thanks to it being recorded previously with the DVLA.
Admittedly in need of some TLC, the car also was bought as a non-runner, but he confidently took it to Jaguar specialist Marcus Barclay, who subjected the car to a £3,500 mechanical health check, resulting in a differential renovation, brake, steering and fuel work, a new full exhaust, fuel tank and an engine tune. The car comes with a body of previous MOTs, insurance evaluation certificates and invoices dating back to 1987, which helps to verify that the car has covered only 24,000 miles in the last 35 years.
The interior has lasted well, and it appears that much of the trim and fittings are original, with the wood displaying an authentic patina. As you open the door, that distinctive aroma of what can only be generated through age and use helps draw you into the sumptuous seats and elegant facia. The Ambla seats are in good shape, with age-related wear but free from rips or damage. They retain their typical comfy cushioning and all have intact piping.
The right-hand seat rear picnic table needs a fix to keep it closed. The carpets are a little worn in the driver's area, but overall look good and all are free from dampness. The walnut dashboard is wonderfully original, with a handful of age-related marks but free from any distracting damage. The rocker switches and controls are well presented, all are said to be functional, with a little age noted on the main dials but remain fully legible.
The centre console houses the astray and a neat untested Radiomobile LW/MW radio. The gear lever is in line with the age of the car, and free from cracks. The attractive wooden finish Moto-Lita steering wheel appears to be a more recent fitting and therefore is tidy without significant blemishes. The door cards are presentable with the odd minor mark but free from scuffs, the wooden door cappings are in good shape. The headlining is excellent with no marks or damage. The boot is fitted with a protective mat.
The car's structure is solid, lending credence to the evidence of its restoration. Core components such as the suspension mounts, inner wings, chassis rails, boot floor and engine bay look good, but other lower extremities of the car would require further investigation. A scrutiny of the doors for alignment and panel gaps is generally positive, with all doors opening and closing without drama. Door bottoms, along with the offside rear arch, areas around the lights on the car’s nose and all four wings do show signs of age, with minor bubbles or cracks starting to come through the paintwork. There are no dents or road-related blemishes noted on the car.
The blue paint finish was applied as part of the restoration around 20 years ago and has lasted well to retain a pleasing lustre. Asides from a few blemishes due to issues under the paint, the car is largely free from road chip damage. The glass is good, with no damage and mounted in decent rubber.
The later S-Type slimline style chrome bumpers have dulled somewhat, but are in good condition with no significant blemishes. The rest of the exterior brightwork goes some way toward presenting the car in a positive fashion, and also suggests that much of it may have seen replacement/renewal during its restoration. The lights and lenses are in good order. The wire wheels do show signs of age creeping through, but the spindles appear to be mostly intact but would be worthy of a refurb. The Kumho tyres are around 15 years but have a good level of thread.
The owner has used the car regularly since its mechanical overhaul, and is confident with the way it drives, happily taking it on longer runs. Fitted with the desirable Marles power steering option, along with its wonderfully smooth Borg-Warner Type 35 three-speed auto box and recently tuned engine, the car drives well, with no reported issues from the owner in regards to the car's steering or braking.
The engine presentation is good, with hoses, ancillaries and pipework all looking intact, with no complaints in regards to the car's cooling system. Some components do show minor signs of ageing, but some items, such as new bolt heads and clips shows evidence of its recent check over. The straight-six XK engine runs well, and starts up without any issues, with no rattles or knocking. It idles well, without excessive smoke and with no undulations or misfiring observed on the day.
A quick inspection of the suspension components reveals that they have received some attention, which is backed up by the car's smooth ride. The car has been treated to a brand new full exhaust system, along with a new fuel tank. The car has also been stated to have been fitted with Coopercraft front brakes and electronic ignition.
This very late Jaguar 340 provides a potential buyer with an accessible route to MK2 ownership. The car, with its complete trim and original interior, provides a solid base for restoration. It is worth considering as this is one of the last of the breed, it comes with several desirable original factory fittings and the added knowledge, obviously, that it has had less time to age.
The car has seen substantial attention to its engine and running gear, and despite it hailing from a long-gone era, it retains its effortless refinement and comfort with a genuine sporting ability to this day.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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1968 Jaguar 340 Automatic
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