1961 Jaguar Mark 2 3.8-Litre Saloon
Registration no. XSU 313
Chassis no. 204592DN

'One of the most impressive sights today is the rapid and purposeful progress of a Mark 2 Jaguar on a motorway, eating up the miles in the fast lane. Like the nose of a bullet, the rounded frontal shape looks right for high speed, and the sheer velocity attained is usually exhilarating.' - Autocar.

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 - the 'Mark 1' - had been introduced in 1956 and is of historic significance, being the Coventry firm's first unitary construction saloon car.

The Mk2 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, or 3.8-litre XK engines, provided the discerning, 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.

Representing the Jaguar Mark 2 in its ultimate 3.8-litre/overdrive configuration, this example was first registered to the current vendor in April 1991 having been extensively restored in the 1980s. He advises us that the Jaguar has given him much pleasure and never let him down. Described as in generally good condition, the car is offered with old/current V5C documents. The sensible addition of an electronic voltage regulator is the only notified deviation from factory specification.