Description
Coachwork.
In the original and rare Opalescent Bronze body colour, the bodywork was subject to some panel work in the late 1980’s early 90’s and re-painted in cellulose whilst acceptable at this time, the paintwork no longer stands up against modern 2K finishes however is much more in keeping with the original factory finish. The car would benefit from a re-paint to improve the finish due to variations in the colour, however what you see is what you get. It’s not had a quick flash over to hide any rust this is a solid original car that can be used and enjoyed it attracts more attention at classic car shows, not being over-restored. The car has all the original panels with good panel gaps and is rust free. The underside if the car is sound covered in the original factory tar type body sealant not layer on layer of under-seal. On early MK2’s the engine bay was treated to a similar tar black coating and were never body colour, the car retains this original factory finish.
Brightwork.
The one area that was detracting from the overall appearance of the car on my purchase was the Chrome work, this was addressed. Over a number of months original second-hand bumpers, door handles light bezels etc were collected in better condition than anything that was pitted or damaged. The bumpers were brazed and re-profiled and a large batch of metal work re-plated. The best quality items fitted to the car and anything second rate sold on. The chrome is of a very high standard and probably better than anything being done these days.
Interior.
Subject to a very sympathetic restoration the original leather seats have been re-dyed in the correct colour and treated with leather feed every year to keep them supple since. Original vinyl door cards were painted to match the seat facings. Depending on personal preference the original carpets remain but these could be replaced to improve the interior. Woodwork is in very good order not over polished in a high gloss finish it has a slightly dull satin finish as factory. Headlining is the original in good clean condition. A period correct valve radio fitted with the ultra rare hand wind up mast. The interior is a lovely place to be not over restored and looking way better than new but the genuine factory materials that are aged and mellowed through time and careful use, only period correct items fitted.
Mechanical.
This is a running usable and totally original factory early MK2 Jaguar with the Moss gearbox and Dunlop disc brakes, so it’s only fair that buyers should be aware and realistic about what that means. In my own personal opinion and this will not be reflected by the majority of people reading this advert controversially. If you require a Jaguar Mk2 that drives like an XJ6 with more modern lights, brakes, light power steering, light clutch with a five speed silky smooth gearbox and little servicing no grease nipples etc, then buy a more modern Jaguar, a MK2 that drives like an XJ6 isn’t a proper car and your missing the whole driving experience. This is one of very few remaining cars that I s unmolested, modified and messed about with and it drives as they did when introduced in the early 1960’s, it retains ignition points and original electrical system dynamo. Power steering was optional on these cars very few cars had it fitted. This car is NOT fitted with power steering. The 3. 8 XK power unit had work done in the 1980’s documented in the history file with the relevant receipts, run smoothly without any smoke even on cold start-up. Auto-choke switches on and off correctly. Excellent oil pressure at all times even when hot. A new re-cored radiator was fitted in recent years as without adding an electric cooling fan the system needs to be in tiptop condition to stay cool with summer use. The Moss gearbox operates well has overdrive fitted and it works, dropping the engine speed for relaxed motorway speeds. Dunlop brakes were advanced for the 1960’s with discs all round. A full brake rebuild with new seals was done in 2008 and the fluid has been changed every few years since. The hand brake was always noted for being poor on these from them being almost new. The pivot pins have been replaced with stainless steel to prevent them sizing up making a massive difference to the effectiveness. Suspension and steering have been extensively refurbished but kept OEM specification with the exception of adjustable dampers all round.
Summery
This car is a genuine usable U. K. matching numbers car retaining original specification with massive history folder that drives as intended and retains its original features, tool kit, keys and jack etc. It’s a very reluctant sale only considered due to lack of use the last few years. The car has been stored in a heated garage from 2007 onwards and only had summer use. It will be sold with a full current MOT, as presently it has TAX and MOT exemption. History.
The MK2 was introduced in 1959, Jaguar had become a force to be reckoned with in the 50’s after several wins at Le Mans and already producing great cars such as the XK range. The MK 2 was another William Lyons masterpiece with its compact sports saloon body and range of 2. 4, 3. 4 and 3. 8 powerful six-cylinder race-bred engines. These Jaguars are oft-regarded as one of the most elegant sports saloons ever produced, perfectly capturing that Lyons philosophy of Grace, Space and Pace. The 3. 8-litre variant, as offered here was the fastest saloon car in the world, it’s arguably the most desirable spec, and continues to evoke plenty of admiration. Still capable of keeping up with modern traffic, and still oh-so-handsome, it's a worthy contender for one of the UK's best ever looking saloon cars.
This very original 1961 Jaguar 3. 8 MK2 was registered on 18th August supplied by Palace Motors (Wirral) LTD. The owner then paid an additional £5 to change the registration to MCM854 which it retains to this day. There is a very extensive history file containing the original buff Logbook old V5s and the current V5C is showing just 4 former keepers, myself since 2007. Present are also a good number of original MOT’s and TAX discs going back to 1972 onwards. The car has had periods in storage but the paperwork is very extensive and backs up the current mileage and restoration work completed when off the road. The large history folder showing this is a genuine UK and original matching numbers car. There’s a full engineers report and valuation on the car by Jaguar MK2 expert Mr N Greenway K. J. C. Bell who worked for Jaguar Coombs racing this was completed in 2003. Most the suggested areas of improvements have been addressed to improve the cosmetics.
Summery
This car is a genuine usable U. K. matching numbers car retaining original specification with massive history folder that drives as intended and retains its original features, tool kit, keys and jack etc. It’s a very reluctant sale only considered due to lack of use the last few years. The car has been stored in a heated garage from 2007 onwards and only had summer use. It will be sold with a full current MOT, as presently it has TAX and MOT exemption. There is room for more sympathetic improvements and this is reflected in the price but what you see is what you get with this example use and enjoy or gradually improve.
Please feel free to call and ask any questions.
