Automotive Gallery

Synonymous with the swinging '60s, the MKII has, at least until very recently, been Jaguar's most widely admired saloon. Featuring notably slimmer roof pillars than its MKI forebear, the newcomer was as airy on the inside as it was elegant on the outside. Comprising a monocoque bodyshell equipped with independent coil-sprung front suspension, a well-located live rear axle and disc brakes all round, it could be specified with a 2.4, 3.4 or 3.8-litre version of Jaguar's race-proved XK engine. The interior was quintessentially British with its sumptuous leather-covered seats, polished wood facia and door cappings, comprehensive instrumentation and impressive row of auxiliary toggle switches. The attention to detail and build quality of the MKII were remarkable for the price being asked - these cars punched above their weight. A road test of a 3.4-litre model with automatic transmission conducted by Motor magazine in 1961 resulted in a 0-60mph time of 11.9 seconds and a top speed of a whisker under 120mph. The touring fuel consumption was 19.0mpg. Production of the MKII ran from 1959 to 1967, at which point the 3.8-litre engine option was dropped and the remaining models renamed 240 and 340 respectively. A total of 91,210 MKIIs, 240s and 340s and are thought to have been produced, some 31,454 of which were equipped with the 3.4-litre engine.

The RHD 1967 3.4-litre-engined example offered is equipped with manual transmission and overdrive. It has white coachwork complemented by a red leather interior. It comes complete with history file and photos that confirm past restoration work, which is said to have included fully refurbished woodwork and a bare metal respray. The car has also been fitted with rack and pinion power steering and wire wheels. As a result of the improvements the vendor considers the car to be in "good" condition with regard to its engine, four-speed manual plus overdrive gearbox, electrical equipment, bodywork and paintwork, while he rates the interior trim as "excellent". No model from the Jaguar stable better reflected Sir William Lyons' maxim of 'grace, pace and space' than the MKII and these wonderful cars still cut a dash today - 50 years on. Unlike some classics, they are tough and reliable and will happily keep pace with modern traffic. It is small wonder that good examples are increasingly sought after.

Image and description kindly supplied by H&H Classic Auctions