motor cars

MOTOR CARS | 117

One of the most readily recognised cars of the 1960s, thanks in
part to countless appearances in films and on television, Jaguar’s
seminal Mk2 saloon set the standard for the class throughout its
entire production life and today remains highly prized by enthusiasts.
Its immediate predecessor - the Mk1 - had been introduced in 1956
and is of historic significance, being the Coventry firm’s first unitary
construction saloon car.

It was replaced in October 1959 by the closely related, albeit
extensively revised, Mk2. The latter offered better all-round visibility
courtesy of larger windows, while the Mk1’s rear wheel spats
disappeared and the rear track was widened, which improved both
roll-resistance and stability. The dashboard was redesigned with the
speedometer and rev counter relocated in front of the driver, the six
toggle switches and four minor gauges being set across the centre.
Independent front suspension was by wishbone and coil springs,
with a leaf-sprung live axle at the rear. This, combined with superior
Dunlop disc brakes all round and a choice of 2.4, 3.4 and 3.8-litre
XK engines, provided the discerning, string-back-gloved, enthusiast
driver with one of the finest sports saloons available in the 1960s. In
its ultimate, 3.8-litre, overdrive-equipped form, the Mk2 could reach
125mph with 60mph coming up in 8.5 seconds, impressive figures for
a saloon of its size even by today’s standards. Although there was a
slight performance penalty with the optional Borg-Warner automatic
transmission installed, the ‘3.8’ in this form was an increasingly popular
choice, particularly in the North American market.

Although production ceased in 1967, such is the enduring appeal of
Jaguar’s classic Mk2 saloon, that a healthy demand exists - not for
mere replicas - but for re-engineered versions of the original.

The car offered here has been recreated by the Vicarage Classic Car

Company, one of the foremost exponents of upgraded Mk2 Jaguars,

the original conversion being carried out for a Mr Sue of Hong Kong

in 1988/1989 at a total cost of circa £43,557. Vicarage’s schedule

of works lists several improvements in addition to their ‘Standard

Specification’ for the 3.8-litre Mk2. These include: an oil cooler; Kenlowe

electric cooling fan; XJ-S type rack-and-pinion steering with power

assistance; improved suspension; electric sunroof; air conditioning;

electric windows; central locking; Daimler Vanden Plas front seats; and

fully trimmed luggage compartment. Mr Sue also got Vicarage to fit a

top-of-the-range Nakamichi sound system. There are numerous invoices

and items of correspondence on file between Vicarage and the owner.

When Mr Sue emigrated to Canada, the Jaguar came with him and

was converted to left-hand drive (see bills on files for work done in

Canada). The car subsequently returned to the UK (circa 1997) and

was purchased from Vicarage by the current vendor in 2000. It was

converted back to right-hand drive and fitted with five-speed Getrag

manual gearbox in 2008. However, this work was not completed to

the vendor’s high standards and was re-done by marque specialists

Classic Motor Cars Ltd of Bridgnorth, Shropshire. There are invoices

for this on file totalling circa £3,240 plus many issued subsequently

by CMC for other works. Also of note is a bill for a partial re-spray by

SB Auto Body Repairs in 2013 costing circa £3,164.

Finished in British Racing Green with off-white leather interior, this

extensively upgraded and highly desirable ‘modern classic’ is offered

with the aforementioned bills, dating letter, current MoT/tax and V5

registration document.

£45,000 - 55,000

€56,000 - 69,000