1963 | Jaguar Mk II 3.8

In 1955, Jaguar introduced their new 2.4 Litre saloon, soon followed by the 3.4 Litre in early 1957. These cars were the first Jaguars with unitary body and chassis construction, employing the already famous XK twin-cam six-cylinder engine. As such, they introduced a more modern style and new level of performance to the company’s products. In 1959, Jaguar introduced a modified and improved model, the Mark 2 – available with 2.4, 3.4, and 3.8 litre versions of the XK engine – after which the earlier vehicles were (unofficially) referred to as Mark 1 Jaguars.

Whilst the new Mark 2 looked very similar to the outgoing 2.4 and 3.4 models, it was revised substantially above the waistline, providing a much larger glass area and better visibility. There were a number of internal and external changes – mostly cosmetic - new interior instrument layout; new heating system; larger and re-positioned lamps and more chrome fixtures. Mechanically, the rear track was widened and the front suspension geometry was altered to improve handling. Disc brakes became standard on all 4 wheels and options such as power steering, overdrive or automatic transmission became available.

The 3.8 litre-engined car in particular, emphasised the performance credentials of the Mark 2, earning the accolade of being the fastest production saloon car in the world at the time. It could just top 120 mph and cover 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds. The last Mark 2 models were built in 1967, with over 83,000 cars (of all engine sizes) produced.

This car was manufactured in 1963 as a home market 2.4 litre model. We know nothing of its early life, other than that by 1990, when it was purchased by a Jersey-based owner, the original engine had been replaced with a 3.8 litre unit, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The new owner embarked upon a professional “total restoration” (a spend of nearly £39K) carried out by Autech Classic Cars Ltd, Worcestershire. The car has since remained in the Channel Islands, receiving appropriate maintenance and additional works as required.

In 2007, the car received a full cylinder head overhaul. In 2012 the engine core plugs were replaced and just this year, after a period of being laid up, various re-commissioning work have been undertaken by ourselves. This included overhauling both brake and clutch hydraulics; revising suspension settings including the fitment of new front springs and general service work. The Mk.2 now runs and drives exactly as it should with a lusty exhaust note.

In 2002 we carried out some considerable additional bodywork restoration, which included the re-chroming of both front and rear bumpers. The Mk.2 is in a very good state of repair, with excellent paintwork and trim/chrome work, which includes the set of wire wheels. 

The interior of the car was clearly fully restored during the renovation carried out in the ‘90s and remains very good to this day. The seats show just a little patination to the squabs; the headlining is mint; first-rate carpets and the veneer trim is all in excellent condition. A wood-rimmed steering wheel and modern ICE unit have been fitted.

The Mark 2 Jaguar is a fast and capable saloon. This particular example boasts the most powerful engine variant and a 5-speed gearbox to make it a truly practical car on modern roads. It is in excellent all-round condition and ready to live up to Jaguar’s famous marketing slogan “Grace - Space - Pace”.

The car is currently Jersey registered and we can assist with shipping and importation processes if required. We can ship worldwide.