1962 Jaguar MKII 3.8 Saloon

3,781cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Individual Throttle Bodies with Fuel Injection (see text)
220bhp at 5,500rpm (Factory Power Rating)
5-Speed Manual Transmission (see text)
Independent Front Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Ventilated Disc Brakes

*Desirable, powerful 3.8-liter model
*Attractive color combination
*No expense spared restoration
*Recipient of numerous engine performance upgrades

THE JAGUAR MKII 3.8

"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 recognized cars of the 1960s, thanks in part to countless appearances in films and on television, Jaguar's seminal MKII saloon set the standard for the class throughout its entire production life and today remains highly prized by enthusiasts.

Introduced in October 1959, the MKII replaced the MKI, the Coventry firm's first unitary construction saloon car. Closely related to its immediate predecessor albeit extensively revised, the MKII offered better all-round visibility courtesy of larger windows while the MK1's rear wheel spats disappeared and the rear track was widened, improving 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 center. 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-liter 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-liter, overdrive-equipped form, the MKII could reach 125mph with 60mph coming up in 8.5 seconds, impressive figures for a saloon of its size even by today's standards.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The ultimate iteration of the MKII, this particular car has been the recipient of an extensive restoration with a high concentration of increasing the engine power output as well as improving the driving characteristics with modern day equipment. Finished in Opalescent Silver Blue paint over a Beige interior, this Right-Hand Drive MKII would eventually make its way to the United States for a new and improved life.

This Jaguar was treated to a wonderful performance minded restoration making this MKII a truly enjoyable driver with high performance and comfort to match. The star of the show is the comprehensively built engine with an extensive list of upgrades. This rebuilt engine, utilizing a correct series 1961 date coded block, has received a major increase in the horsepower range thanks to a meticulously built engine block featuring a rebuilt rotating assembly with increased compression ratio, port matched intake and exhaust ports, fuel injection conversion with individual throttle bodies, upgraded ignition and coils, high volume oiling pumping system with upgrades to the oil cooling components, aluminum radiator by Ron Davis, milled XJ6 series head with modifications to the water passages, performance camshaft by Isky, custom polished and tuned stainless exhaust manifolds and dual exhaust system, while the lightened aluminum flywheel and balanced crank dampener keep the engine revolution rotating effortlessly. This extensively built engine was mated to a dependable 5-speed manual transmission to truly emulate an excellent driving experience.

Besides the powertrain of this Jaguar receiving an extensive list of upgrades, the running gear has also been enhanced with many modern components to help improve the driving dynamics as well as the safety of the vehicle. The brakes on all four corners were upgraded to larger ventilated discs with large 4-piston brake calipers supplying the much improved stopping capabilities along with an improved hydraulic system. Stainless steel brake lines replace the spongy rubber lines, while the car received all new rubber bushings. Koni shocks help dampen the ride and the enlarges sway bars also help improve the handling dynamics of this performance bred MKII. Topping this off is an improved steering rack for a more responsive feel.

The body, resplendent in the attractive shade of Opalescent Silver Blue by Glasurit, was carefully disassembled and then received primer, base coat, clear coat and finally, color sanding and buffing to result in the stunning finish seen today. New rubber and seals were installed, while new leather interior, panels and new Wilton wool carpets were custom made, fitted and installed. The signature interior wood trim has been restored and in fantastic condition, while the interior and exterior Brightwork has been replated to an amazing luster. The interior also received an audio upgrade with the sound system featuring a Sony cassette head unit up front and a Sony CD changer in the back. Accompanied items to come with the car include a special build binder, tools, jack, writeup, software user guide, engine manual, Sony radio instructions, photo album and a DVD documenting the engine. With all of improvements made to this MKII, this is surely a wonderful opportunity to acquire a superbly built and uniquely restored Show-Driver classic Jaguar eligible for many vintage rallies and car shows.