1964 Jaguar Mk 2 3.8-Litre 'Coombs Replica' Sports Saloon

Registration no. HPA 700C Chassis no. 233517

Odometer Reading: TBA
MoT Expiry: Exempt

*Rebuilt to 'Coombs' specification in the mid/late 1990s
*Manual/overdrive transmission
*Discreetly upgraded
*Present ownership since April 2016

A progressive development of the Mark 1, Jaguar's first unitary construction saloon, the Mark 2 made its debut in October 1959. Slimmer windscreen pillars and deeper side windows greatly enlarged the Mark 2's glass area, and the deletion of its predecessor's full-sized rear wheel spats allowed the rear track to be widened, a move which increased roll resistance and stability. Otherwise, the running gear remained much the same as before, with independent front suspension by wishbones and coil springs, leaf-sprung live rear axle, and Dunlop servo-assisted disc brakes (optional at first on the Mark 1 but standard from November 1957) on all four wheels. A redesigned dashboard with speedometer and rev-counter ahead of the driver and minor gauges grouped centrally established Jaguar's layout for years to come. With the Mark 2's arrival, the 3.8-litre version of Jaguar's XK 'six' became available for the first time in the company's medium-sized saloon. This engine, used previously in the Mark IX saloon, produced 220bhp at 5,500rpm, an output sufficient to propel the top-of-the-range Mark 2 to 125mph. Transmission options were a four-speed manual (with or without overdrive) or Borg-Warner automatic gearbox, an improved all-synchromesh version of the former being specified from 1965.

The superb example offered here has been restored and rebuilt in the style of the racing Mark 2 saloons prepared and entered by Guildford-based Jaguar dealer John Coombs in the early 1960s. A Jaguar/Daimler dating letter on file reveals that chassis number '233517' was originally finished in dark blue with light blue trim (the same as it is today) and was retailed via Henlys. The Jaguar retains its original registration number, 'HPA 700C'.

This car's history is not known prior to 1989 when it was acquired by Mr Ongun of London, to whom the aforementioned letter was addressed. Next owner Mr Vann acquired 'HPA 300C' in 1992 and it was he that commissioned its restoration. The no-expense-spared rebuild was commenced by marque specialists Three Point Four and completed in November 1997 by Scott-Moncrieff (see bills and photographs on file). The car was subsequently re-trimmed by renowned experts Suffolk & Turley. Its specification includes a rebuilt, balanced, and tuned engine; 2" SU carburettors on matching manifolds; front anti-roll bar; Koni shock absorbers; up-rated coil springs to the front suspension; Coombs-type rear wheelarches; Coombs-type chromed wire wheels; Moto-Lita wood-rimmed steering wheel; Pioneer stereo system; and discreet period-style circular mirrors to the window frames.

The Jaguar remained with Mr Vann for the next 20-or-so years before being sold to the current vendor, a prominent private collector, by which time it had covered only some 8,000 miles since the restoration and was still in 'exemplary condition'. While in the vendor's care, 'HPA 300C' has been fastidiously maintained by Red Triangle, as evidenced by their bills on file.

Presented in generally excellent condition, this discreetly upgraded 3.8-litre Mk2 is offered with the 2016 purchase receipt, copies of old V5/V5C documents, and the aforementioned invoices, etc.