1962 Jaguar Mk2 3.8-Litre 'Vicarage' Sports Saloon
Registration no. 410 NAL
Chassis no. 208190DN
Engine no. LC2159-8

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.