• Just 3 owners in 56 years

• Manual with overdrive

• Desirable 3.4

• Wire Wheels

• Historic vehicle

‘Grace… Space… Pace’ some of you may remember the tag line for the Jaguar MKII that was produced from 1959 to 1967. Its time in production saw it become a successful seller for the brand, moving over 100,000 units in the various guises, but with many lost over the years they are becoming a rarer sight as collectors hold on and enjoy them for all they can deliver.

The MKII sticks in people’s minds for a multitude of reasons, for some, it was the boss’s car that they saw each day drive in and out the factory gates, others remember seeing them abandoned on the news after a bank or, more famously, a train robbery, and then there was its role on hit TV show Inspector Morse. What brings them all together is the desire for power and the Jag doesn’t just offer it up, it exudes it from chrome bumper to chrome bumper.

This MKII has spent little time changing hands with only three owners in its lifetime, averaging a new name on the logbook every 18 years. A previous owner was part of the Jaguar members club that impressed on a previous owner how much care and attention had been dedicated to his car. Before the current owner got the keys it spent seven years with its previous custodian, it seems every owner struggles to let this shining example of the brand go. 

This example has remained dry stored whilst in the current owner’s care, and after much deliberation, he has decided it is now time to part with the big Jag and hopes someone may get more use out of it in the years to come. It has covered very few miles over the last decade but was kept regularly MOT’d until 2018 when it was stored, less than a thousand miles have passed under the wheels since its last test.

A logbook is present and a general information folder is included in the sale. The condition of the vehicle will speak for itself on this Jaguar previous owners haven’t passed on their records.

Jaguar offered several options for owners to pick from with several different colour interiors on offer, the original owner specified red leather and carpets with wood dash and leather gear gaiter matching the seat trim. The combination offers an appealing style and a cabin that is both comfortable and classically appointed. 

The seats wear their mileage and age well with a few expected wrinkles but plenty of support. There is an honest character of the Jaguar represented in how easy it was to slip behind the wheel and feel at home.

All the hinges for the doors, boot, and bonnet worked smoothly, a clear sign that great care has been given to maintain the original machining of the vehicle. The door handle on the passenger front will need minor attention to free up, likely due to time stored.

Sat in a country pub the Jaguar looks great from a few paces away, anyone on their way to quench their thirst would likely give up a moment to admire the paintwork as the sun slips over its smooth lines. 

The optional wire wheels were in very good condition and the style lines of the car didn’t appear interrupted. There was a minor dent noticeable in the passenger front door that had to be seen at the right angle to spot. All the lights and lenses were in good condition without any visible cracks or malfunctions. The chrome work shined in the morning sun and is in a condition commensurate of a vehicle this age and mileage.

All 3.4 litres purred to life on the first twist of the key and even after being dry stored for the last few years it stopped and turned positively, and was happy to idle while waiting to set off on a test run.

The standard equipment tools were with the car and appeared to have spent little, if any, time outside of their container. The Jaguar rides with suspension and tyre sidewall flex which is a joy to experience, especially in this example that glides over the worst of the British roads without ever feeling detached from the experience. The new owner will find that you can settle into a rhythm that is reassuring as the big cat moves around corners taught and ready to get up to speed with a light squeeze of the throttle.

Wanting a classic with documented paperwork and stamps for every year can sometimes tempt people away from brilliant cars, this Jaguar is proof that the old approach of judging by the metal, rather than the paper, is as true today as it ever has been.

It stands today ready to be driven regularly or kept for those special occasions when having something this special in the garage really pays off, but no matter what your plan for this MKII, heads will turn everywhere it goes.