Description
JAGUAR MK 2 3. 8 All Synchro M. O. D – Rare 1 of approx. 465 and JEC Windsor Car.
Jaguar Heritage Trust JDHT research of the records indicate approx. 465 RHD All Synchro M. O. D - which is extremely rare.
‘HARDY’ was manufactured on the 5th May 1966 making it one of the last pure Jaguar 3. 8 MK 2’s pre the 11th of July announced merger of Jaguar with BMC.
Though dispatched on 24th May 1966 to Henlys dealership T. Baker & Son of Reading, ‘Hardy’ was 1st registered on 24th February 1967 and still retains the original Reading registration HRD 600 E.
Adding to is rarity ‘HARDY’ has the short lived ‘E’ plate of Jan to August 1967. (The last 3. 8 Mk 2 issued in September 1967 on an F plate)
'Hardy' retains its original rare colour combination of Opalescent Golden Sand paint with Bordeaux Red interior with leather seats and picnic tables and is the 227th from last MK2 3. 8 RHD produced.
One of the few ‘Ultimate Renditions’ of the MK2. as in addition with the new all synchro gearbox came a thicker front anti roll bar which improved handling along with other improvements such as with Reuter reclining seats, an on / off switch for the rear demister, improved cooling and heater system and improved electrics.
As previous years the MK2 had of course all-round disc brakes, but only for the 3. 8 a coveted Limited Slip Differential was factory fitted as standard.
‘HARDY’ had lived in same Reading area all its life until my ownership in Eastbourne. Years Hardy Owned -1st owner 13 years, 2nd 28 years , 3rd 11 years and myself the 4th 10 years.
Furthermore ‘HARDY’ is a proud chosen ‘JEC Windsor Car’ representing the MK2 by Royal Invite.
A testament to the Jaguar Enthusiast Club as the 2nd and 3rd Custodian and myself are long standing Club Members.
In essence this is a very original 3 previous owner car with approx. 116k miles original car with original Buff log book, JDHT Certificate and a huge file from 1976 of receipts of works and maintenance, including desired 'sensible upgrades' over the years such as Zeus Brakes, Gaz adjustable shocks, 123 Ignition (USB/ Computer Programmable) to name a few. Furthermore, in my ownership, ‘Hardy’ received after 50 years a ‘sympathetic but very thorough restoration’ in 2016. Complete ‘ windows out’ body strip down and resprayed with Glasurit correct Jag code Opalescent Gold paint and ‘seam sealed’ as with high end restorations. (Huge photo file.)
Yet retaining the excellent originality and natural look of this well cherished car.
Body is so complete still retaining the original inner sills as well as door and panel skins with any area remedied where necessary for longevity reasons more than necessity, including new rear chassis rails, suspension hangers and Panhard Rod mounting, all correctly renewed, Front Sub Frame shot blasted and powder coated, as well as being thoroughly Waxoyled and Undersealed.
Coombes Spats fitted with excellent condition original spats retained.
The interior is all original except the BAS carpets and Furflex. The leather was ‘rejuvenated’ by experts Uptons who do CKL and Eagle E types interiors.
Renowned Just Historic Cars (former CKL team) have during my ownership looked after Hardy's mechanical needs to their and my high standards.
The well-maintained engine showing 40 – 60 psi oil pressure.
The Braking is more than up to modern equivalents.
The gear change and very light clutch make for very quick progress and much faster than with the usual Moss Box. In fact I would state that the clutch is the lightest of any of the Jaguar models pre and post and is as light as some modern cars.
The meticulous maintenance continues as recent as 17th June 2024 Hardy received a £4000. thorough Service and going through by Just Historic Cars (former CKL team).
This work included complete brake service with new calliper stainless pistons and seals, a 4PSI pressure valve for improved Brake feel and reaction, new rear suspension springs, new front anti roll bar bushes and more. Exhaust Silencer Box Baffle was found loose and this 15th Feb 2025 New Bell Stainless Silencer Box was fitted. More specs. can be given but can only be appreciated on driving.
The beauty and solidity is far more than just skin deep. A dream above the average ready to hit the button and tour Europe.
(A set of as new MWS Wire Wheels never fitted and still in their boxes are available to be negotiated)
