1963 Jaguar Mark 2 3.8-Litre Sports Saloon
Registration no. VSJ 393
Chassis no. 206215
Engine no. 7B 50576-8

One of the most readily recognised cars of the 1960s, thanks in part to countless appearances in films and on television, Jaguar's seminal Mark 2 saloon set the standard for the class throughout its entire production life and today remains highly prized by enthusiasts. Its immediate predecessor - retrospectively the 'Mark 1' - 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, Mark 2. The latter offered better all-round visibility courtesy of larger windows, while the Mark 1'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 Mark 2 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.

This Mark 2 was restored over a ten-year period by two owners and has just been assembled and commissioned to a high standard by Revival Motorsport. All service parts have been renewed or replaced. Refinished in British Racing Green with full cream leather interior, the car features XJ40 electric seats, a modern radio/CD player, new chromed wire wheels and fresh tyres. Adjustable shock absorbers are fitted, as is a Moss four-speed manual gearbox of the correct type, the original automatic transmission having been removed. We are advised that everything is working, except the clock, and that the car drives extremely well. Accompanying documentation consist of sundry restoration bills, MoT to October 2016 and a V5 registration document.