1965 Jaguar Mark 2 3.8-Litre 'Coombs' Sports Saloon

• Desirable manual/overdrive transmission
• Extensive professional restoration 2020-2023
• All bills and a JDHT Certificate available
• Features in the book 'Raw Spirit' by Iain Banks

With the Mark 2's arrival in October 1959, the 3.8-litre version of Jaguar's dependable XK 'six' became available for the first time in the company's medium-sized saloon. Used previously in the Mark IX saloon, this engine produced 220bhp, 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.

Representing Jaguar's top-of-the-rage sports saloon in its ultimate 3.8-litre manual/overdrive specification, the superb example offered here boasts some of the modifications associated with the racing Mark 2 saloons prepared and entered by Guildford-based Jaguar dealer John Coombs in the early 1960s. Not surprisingly, many of Coombs' customers began asking for his racing modifications for their road cars, and he was only too happy to oblige. 'JPH 7C' is fitted with a louvred bonnet, racing bucket seats, an E-Type steering wheel and rolled edges to the rear wheelarches, while the 'PH' in the registration indicates that this Mark 2 was registered in Surrey, perhaps suggesting that it might be an original Coombs car. The accompanying JDHT Certificate shows that the Jaguar was distributed by Henlys, London but does not record the original dealer. The Mark 2 left the factory in April 1965 finished in Dark Blue with Light blue trim.

The car benefits from an extensive no-expense-spared restoration carried out over a three-year period (2020-2023), most of the work being entrusted to Revival Classics with paintwork by Hinckley Bodywrx Ltd. A list of all the works carried out and parts purchased is available as are all the associated invoices totalling just under £70,000 (inspection recommended). Presented in quite exceptional condition, this most handsome Mark 2 also comes with a V5C Registration Certificate and copies of its MoT history. 'JPH 7C' features in a book entitled 'Raw Spirit' by Iain Banks (pages 161 and 162), a copy of which is included in the sale.