Automotive Gallery

For many the definitive Jaguar sports saloon, the MKII was introduced in October 1959. A peerless blend of elegance and muscularity, its super sleek shape clothed an evolution of the Coventry marque's first monocoque design that had been introduced in 1955. Powered by derivatives of the same XK twin overhead-cam straight-six engine that had swept Jaguar to five Le Mans victories, the MKII was quick to dominate contemporary saloon car racing. Equipped with coil-and-wishbone independent front suspension, a leaf-sprung Salisbury rear axle and servo-assisted four-wheel disc brakes, the range-topping 3.8 boasted nearly seven times the horsepower of a Mini 850 and a 126mph top speed. Blessed with one of the all time great automotive interiors, its stylish instrumentation, rich wood veneers and sumptuous leather upholstery all conspired to cosset and cocoon occupants.

Finished in maroon over silver with grey / maroon leather upholstery, this particular left-hand drive example is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its engine, four-speed manual gearbox, bodywork and paintwork. He rates the interior trim as "excellent" but notes that (a) "the overdrive sticks if the car is left standing" and (b) "there is a little deterioration to the paint in the corner of a door". Reportedly a metallic blue ex-Californian car when it entered the current ownership during 1993, 'KVS 738' is understood to have been restored ahead of an appearance in a music video. The seller believes the pop artist concerned was the late Michael Jackson and is trying to find a black and white photograph to substantiate his claim. As well as being responsible for its new livery, David Marks is said to have overhauled the MKII's engine and refurbished its suspension. While, the interior re-trim was carried out by Harvey Muckslow who apparently does a lot of similar work for the Jaguar Trust. Stated to have covered very few miles since its transformation was completed, this striking sports saloon is offered for sale with restoration photos and "bills adding up to tens of thousands of pounds".

Image and description kindly supplied by H&H Classic Auctions