Description
The Jaguar Mk2 remains one of the most beautiful saloons ever built. Launched in late 1959, it was the upgraded version of the Jaguar Mk1, with larger glass and a longer rear wheelbase. The interior was also very different from the Mk1's, with revised front seats and a completely redesigned dashboard. The Jaguar Mk2 remains the one and only original sporting saloon, combining outstanding styling with a choice of powerful inline six engines.
This example is quite special. It was ordered with the most powerful 3. 8-litre engine, paired with the Borg-Warner automatic transmission as an optional extra, and delivered new on 1 June 1962 by Henlys of London. The car was bought by the renowned Jaguar restorer Vicarage in the late 1980s, to be restored and upgraded to Vicarage's well-known standards. It was actually one of their early demonstrator models and appeared in Vicarage's glossy brochure – then still sporting its original registration plate 408 ELC. During this restoration, the Mk2 was converted to left-hand drive as it was to be delivered to an American customer.
Vicarage conducted some of the finest Jaguar restorations in the 80s and 90s, and offered numerous upgrades to adapt this classic sporting saloon for everyday use. Our example is equipped with the following options: electric sunroof, electric front and rear windows, improved rear suspension with coil springs instead of the standard leaf springs for noticeably superior comfort and handling, modern Jaguar TH400 automatic gearbox, Coopercraft brakes, modern power steering, air conditioning, heated rear window, Daimler Double Six front seats,.... In short, a multitude of modifications that transform the driving experience of the Jaguar Mk2.
As this is a quality restoration performed some time ago, the interior now shows just the right amount of patina and the classic colour combination (British Racing Green with a cream interior) suits the car perfectly. All the veneers have been fully restored and are simply magnificent.
This Mk2 drives very well and could easily serve as an everyday car. The last owner spent a fortune on maintenance and servicing, all carried out by the renowned British Jaguar specialist CMC, and all of it is documented by invoices to make you green with envy. The file also includes period Vicarage brochures, a JDHT Heritage certificate, and numerous invoices and documents.
This magnificent Jaguar combines style, luxury and performance to perfection. It is an ideal daily-driver, thanks to its automatic gearbox and power steering. The interior is elegant and comfortable, and the big inline six-cylinder engine offers performance more than adequate. Today, restoring and building a Jaguar Mk2 to these specifications would cost at least twice the asking price; thus if you're looking for an excellent everyday exemplar, this one comes highly recommended.
