Jaguar Mk II

This Jaguar Mark 2 3.8 was despatched when new to Australia in May 1960 where it was kept until the end of 2017. The Jaguar Heritage Certificate accompanying this superb example confirms that it retains its original interior and exterior colours of Mist Grey and Red. In 1995 it was fitted with a full synchromesh manual and overdrive gearbox. We are advised that the car has been sparingly used and for all intents and purposes in store until its preparation for repatriation to these shores.

Works carried out prior to re-import included: full refurbishment of the fuel system, including carburettors, renewal of the brakes and some re-chroming at a documented cost of Australian $14,000 (£8,500).

The Mark 2 was a fast and capable saloon in line with Sir William Lyons' 1950s advertising slogan: Grace . . . Space . . . Pace. The 3,781 cc Jaguar XK engine is similar to the unit used in the 3.8 E-Type Jaguar having the same block, crank, connecting rods and pistons but different inlet manifold and carburettors. The 3.4 Litre and 3.8 Litre cars were both fitted with twin SU HD6 carburettors. The 3.8 litre with the 220 bhp engine was capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds and could reach a top speed of 125 mph, which was in its day most impressive, hence its status as the Bank Robbers favourite get-away car. It followed that the Police acquired the Mark 2 3.8 to give chase and patrol our motorways as the 70 mph speed limit only arrived in 1965.

Our example pulls well with good oil pressure, no knocking noises or squeaks. In our opinion Mist Grey with Red is one of the very best colour combinations this excellent example also has the benefit of a new interior and chrome wire wheels; it is a thing of beauty.