1963 Jaguar MkII

Description

• UNSOLD at auction June 2023 
• Three former keepers 
• Rare manual with Overdrive 
• Private Plate remains with the car

The stylish and sophisticated MkII.

The classic Jaguar MkII defined an era of British classic cars. When it was launched, the MkII Jaguar created 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 scene.  

A well-sorted, cherished classic MkII is a very enjoyable drive and the essence of a British sporting saloon. From the luxurious interior to the taut and confidence-inspiring handling, you will not be disappointed behind the wheel of a good one. 

Background 

• First registered 1 May 1963 
• Engine number KH94998 
• Chassis number P163205DN 
• Only three owners 
• Our vendor has owned since April 2022 
• From 1963 – 2022 just two previous owners 

Exterior 

Over sixty years on, the design of the classic Jaguar MkII still draws attention wherever it goes. It combines heritage and character by the bucket load. 

• Period Steel Wheels 
• Smart, clean chrome work 
• Driving Lamps 
• Bumper bar 

The outside is free from dings, dents and any obvious signs of the dreaded corrosion.  The front and rear bumpers are as straight as any we’ve seen. All the rest of many shiny bits, door handles, spotlights, window surrounds, door mirrors, shine with a cheerful confidence of a 60-year-old classic. It is a car that has aged very well. Then there is that iconic grille and leaping cat on the bonnet. The whole package comes together superbly. 

Original steel wheels remain fitted and look very good. Complimented by the original chrome hub caps, they give the Jaguar a touch of understated class, of ‘old money’. 

Interior 

• Light Grey Interior 
• Blue Carpets 
• Acres of wood and chrome 

The MkII Jaguar delivers an incredibly light and airy feel to the cabin space. Slide into the driver’s seat and look around. It has that classic car feel. Take a good look at the numerous detailed images. They say more than we can. 

• Behind the original steering wheel are the speedo and rev counter 
• To the left are an array of switches with their designation still visible on the chrome plinth 
• Above them are the original Smiths gauges in good condition 
• Look up and the original ribbed headlining and courtesy lights are still in place 

The glorious walnut, which is so synonymous with the MkII, is all there. Look closely and you’ll see age related deterioration. Overall, it is all there and the condition of it reflects the Jaguar’s age and grace. With the exception of the driver’s seat, the seats, door cards, carpet, all are in decent condition.  What the Jaguar lacks is some professional detailing now, to retain its period good condition but bring out the best of it. Alternatively, a couple of weekends’ elbow grease culminating in the pleasure of a job well done would be our choice. Up to you. 

Mechanicals 

• 3.4 litre inline six cylinder engine 
• Twin SU carbs delivering 210bhp 
• Moss 4-speed manual transmission 
• Laycock Overdrive 
• Disc brakes all round 
• Double wishbones on coil springs at the front 
• Live rear axle at the rear 

When the classic Jaguar MkII arrived more than half a century ago, it was like a rocket-ship. The 3.4 litre MkII was capable of 120mph, and its performance was so superior to anything else on the road that it quickly became the car to have. 

When you start up this 3.4 litre straight-six XK engine, you’re greeted with a delightfully reassuring purring engine.  

With those wonderful instruments, driving the MkII felt a bit like piloting a small aircraft.  

Other road users let you out and smile. For a sixty-year-old classic, it is amusingly quick. The MkII can still show a clean pair of heels to the majority of cars on the road. It’s best when it’s powering out of roundabouts and corners, feeling the rear end squat down as you squeeze the throttle pedal. Alternatively, the Jaguar is great just wafting around. You choose. 

Our view 

What a classic car the Jaguar MkII was and remains today.  

Climb in and your senses will be invaded. The smell, the light, the space.  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. Once you’ve stopped grinning and pull away, the classic Jaguar MkII is a special place to be.  

As we always say; there is a classic car for everyone. The condition of Jaguar MkII’s span the entire spectrum from project cars to good cars, to over-restored concourse cars priced out of everyone’s league. 

Jaguar MkII’s like this one are not that common. They are not like buses, where there will be another along behind it in two minutes. If you’ve been looking for a good, usable MkII in decent condition you’ve probably just found it.