1960 Jaguar Mark II

Description

• Restored and rebuilt 
• Off the road for 38 years 
• Verified 91,500 miles – speedo was changed at under 60k miles (See provenance document)
• Matching numbers car
• Expected to achieve £18,000 to £24,000

The classic Jaguar Mk II defined an era of British classic cars. 

When it was launched, Jaguar broke the mould by creating its very own class of classic cars; the sports saloon.  

It is no surprise that it is one of the most popular cars on the classic car scene.  

History 

Our vendor told us, “This barn find was purchased in February 2017”. 

However, before he entertained any notion of acquiring the classic Jaguar he checked out what he had found. 

He discovered it was a matching numbers car with an authenticated Jaguar Heritage Certificate. The certificate confirms the Mk II was manufactured on 11th November 1960 in Coventry. That makes it one of the very first Mk IIs.  

He goes on, “This car came to me with Full Provenance (see image gallery) a comprehensive history and the original Jaguar operating, maintenance and service handbook”.  

As if that wasn’t enough, remarkably he went on, “It also has the original Buff log book and Various MOT certificates up to 1979.  

In a final revelation about this Mk II, the vendor advises us, the last MOT in 1979 was “when it was taken off the road”.  And we understand that is where it stayed, un-molested until Feb 2017  – thirty eight years later. 

Exterior 

The Mk2 was built as a monocoque design. It was a bold move. The monocoque body was a departure for Jaguar, in fact for all manufacturers at that time.  Today it is seen as, ahem, a challenge, if you buy the wrong one. This classic Mk II is the right one. 

The vendor gave us the following information. 

He tells us, the Mk II  “has had a complete bare metal respray in the original colour of Indigo Blue”.  

On the exterior the vendor says, “All the chrome-work has been re-chromed and the underbody is sealed” 

The Mk II certainly does look the part.  Even parked, the Mk II looks like it’s in a hurry. It looks fabulous. That beautifully curvaceous shape draws admiring glances wherever it goes.  

In 1959 Jaguar added more glass and a revised radiator grille, which made the Mk II look leaner and stealthier and altogether different from it’s previous Mk I sibling.  

Interior 

The almost 20% increase in glass to the Mk II transforms the interior space too. Not only better visibility, but also an incredibly light and airy feel to the cabin – one not often shared by classic cars of the same period.   

The interior in the Mk II is on another level. A classic interior for a classic Jaguar. 

The sumptuous leather seats, the burr walnut dash, the splendid clocks, the timeless dials, the classic steering wheel, the peerless driving position, the all-round view, the enjoyment is never ending. 

The vendor has managed to pull off a unique blend of new, on the outside, and original on the inside with this Mk II. He comments, “This car has original interior seats & woodwork, with a nice patina on the seats”.  

We don’t think you can beat that old car smell. When you drop in to a classic car, especially a Mk II Jaguar, there is something very special about the feel and aroma. So much so it almost creeps into your consciousness. It definitely sums up what classic car ownership is all about.  

Engine and Transmission. 

The 2.4 straight six really is a lovely engine. It is good for 120 horses of pulling power and boy can it gallop.  

This classic Jaguar Mk II in 2.4 litre will take others by surprise. Under no circumstances should you under-estimate it. All the straight six XK engines in the classic Jaguar Mk II are brilliant. Do not be put off buying one because it doesn’t have the ‘right’ engine.  

On this particular Mk II there are three significant, salient points.  

The vendor is verifying the 91,500 miles. The XK engines are solid as a rock.  Please note that as mentioned above, the speedo shows lower mileage as this was changed at just under 60k miles

Our view 

What a classic car the Jaguar Mk II was when it was launched and it remains today.  

Climb in and your senses will be invaded. The smell, the light, the space, the reassuring sound of the door closing with a clunk beside you. Then press ‘that’ button and listen to the double overhead cam XK engine purr at the front with a lustful exit through the exhaust at the rear. Then, once you’ve stopped grinning and pull away, the classic Jaguar Mk II feels like a special place to be.  

Extend your right ankle towards the floor and the reward is delightful change in tone from the XK engine as the SU carburettors squirt fuel towards the innards of the classic XK and everything comes alive.  

Any Jaguar Mk II will hit 60+ with surprising ease. 

The balance of the car is terrific. By far and away the best way to enjoy the marvellous Jaguar Mk II is to tickle it along listening to that engine note and appreciating the time you have with it and family and friends. Whether it’s a weekend away, a trip to the Goodwood Revival or punt down the pub with four pals on board. 

As the Heritage Certificate demonstrates, this is one of the very first legendary Jaguar Mk II Sport Saloons to roll off the production line in Coventry. 

It has a documents leading up to 1979 went it went in to hibernation. Our vender rescued it in 2017 and brought it back to original condition with a exceptional blend of original and restoration. He has that all documented. 

It comes complete with a fresh MOT with no advisories. 

The Heritage Certificate confirms this is a rare matching numbers survivor. 

Where will the bidding end? It would be true to say we are genuinely not sure. We are certain it will sell, because the vendor has attached to it an amazingly reasonable reserve to ensure it does. 

We’ll stick our necks out. Somewhere between £18,000 and £24,000 and that looks to us like money in the bank that you can have loads of enjoyment with – not just look at on your Statement. Good luck. 

 

Vehicle Location: Nottingham– it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor 

Have a question about this vehicle? Please contact the Evoke team at auction@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf. 

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