Highlights

Very original condition
Desirable specification
One of the last LHD MkII Jaguars
Manual transmission with overdrive

The Appeal

Whether it’s as a police car, a getaway car or the carriage of one Inspector Morse, the MkII Jaguar has made an indelible impact on the British consciousness. It’s easy to see why too - beautifully appointed, technically advanced, powerful and with that famously smooth Jaguar ride, they remain a very stylish and enjoyable way to get about.

Here we have a smart, highly original example, presented in a lovely dark green hue over tan leather. Having been an Italian car, the climate appears to have worked wonders in preserving the bodywork, making it an excellent option for anyone after a usable and very elegant daily classic.

The History and Paperwork

Government test to 2023
The vendor tells us the car has a complete specialist service history
Italian registration documents
1 of 6,571 made
Believed to be one of the last 5 LHD 3.4 MkII models ever produced
Now selling as the vendor no longer uses it

The Interior

Tan leather upholstery
Burr walnut veneer
Original fixtures and fittings

We’re told by the vendor that the interior of this MkII is completely original - which means it has been exceptionally well preserved. The leather that swathes the seats, door cards and centre console appears to be supple and well cared for.

There is some natural wear showing to the seats, in the form of some blemishes, creasing and, on the driver’s seat. what appears to be some light cracking to the squab, but overall it presents very well. Similarly, the material of the headlining looks tight and undamaged, with no evidence of staining or tears that we could see. Carpets are a complementary oatmeal colour and look to be in generally good condition.

One of the notable features of the MkII’s cabin is the liberal use of high quality burr walnut veneer. From the dash fascia to the door cappings, window surrounds and rear picnic tables, it adds a real air of sophistication. Here it looks to be in excellent condition - we saw no evidence of cracking, warping or delamination.

Likewise, the switchgear, driving controls and instruments all look clean and tidy, with legible graphics and lettering. We’re informed by the owner that everything operates just as it should, and that there are no issues they are aware of.

The Exterior

Deep green paintwork
Original wire wheels
Smart brightwork

Style has always been one of the key attractions of the MkII. With its swooping lines, fine proportions and handsome details, it’s every inch the gentleman’s express. Here the bodywork appears to be in very good order, with smooth panels, no corrosion we could discern and even panel gaps across the car.

The paint too looks to be in good order for the age of the vehicle. The vendor tells us that he believes that the paint has been retouched over time but that it is probably mostly original. As such, naturally there are some blemishes, scuffs and light scratches. But these are quite minor in nature, and definitely add character to the vehicle rather than detracting from it.

Similar natural patination can be seen with the external trim and brightwork. It all appears to be present and correct and in fine fettle, with some light pitting and subtle speckling to some of the brightwork, but again it adds history and charm rather than being a cause for concern.

One area the new owner may wish to address is the original 15” wire wheels. Shod in Dunlop tyres, they are largely in nice condition, but a couple of them are beginning to suffer from some surface corrosion.

Looking under the car, it’s clear that the dry Italian climate has worked wonders in preserving the car as it seems to be in exceptionally solid and clean condition. There is, of course, a small amount of surface corrosion in some areas, but for a car of this age it really does look remarkably good.

The Mechanics

3,442cc inline-six
4-speed manual transmission (synchro on 3)
Norman Laycock Overdrive
Disc brakes all round

Where the MkII has always shone is in the way it drives. And with a characterful 3.4-litre straight-six to haul it along, there’s certainly no shortage of get up and go. With an enticing induction roar from the twin SU carburettors, this engine pushes a very useful 210bhp to the rear wheels. With advanced suspension and disc brakes all round to keep it under control, it’s little wonder the MkII has a reputation as a driver’s car.

Popping the curvaceous bonnet, you’re greeted with that glorious engine, which is almost as nice to look at as it is to listen to. Everything here appears to be in fine condition, with slight evidence of surface corrosion to some elements, but the bay generally being very clean and tidy, with no sign of leaking fluids or overheating issues.

This MkII also benefits from the desirable manual transmission with Norman Laycock Overdrive, making it very capable for long distance travel and keeping up with modern traffic.

We’re assured by the vendor that the car is in excellent mechanical order, with no leaks, smoke or unwarranted noises and vibrations. They tell us that it drives just as it should, accelerating smoothly, handling well and braking perfectly.

Summary

The MkII is the classic car that can do almost everything. In its heyday it was a capable race car, a comfortable executive saloon and an advanced performance car. This wide range of abilities means it is still a very desirable car, with quality examples being highly sought-after.

And this is certainly a quality example. Highly original, in good working order and benefitting from a very tasteful and desirable specification, if you’ve always liked the idea of a MkII, this could well be the ideal candidate to sate your desire…

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