Sold 1965 Jaguar Mark II 2146355102 Tweet

1965 Jaguar Mark II
s/n P223964BW engine no. LE1416-9
Old English White with Red Leather Interior

While Jaguar captured headlines and hearts with their extraordinarily competent sports and racing car offerings in the 1950s, their bread and butter was always saloon cars. The iconic grace, space, and pace tagline was genuinely appropriate. Not only were their sedans elegant and luxurious, they featured Jaguars innovative twin-cam engine, disc brakes, and genuinely world class suspension engineering that incorporated lessons from winning a continuous stream of world sports car championships. Jaguar took this philosophy further by introducing what is arguably one of the worlds first sports sedans. Initially called the 2.4 Litre and 3.4 Litre, the model was retroactively referred to as the Mark 1 when the Mark 2 emerged in 1959. Both cars were smaller than the Mark VII to Mark IX full size sedans then available, yet they were available with the largest XK engines then produced, the 3.4 liter and later the 3.8. This big motor in a small car philosophy made the Mark 1 and 2 a genuinely high performance car of any type, let alone a sedan, and the cars were very successful in motorsport, winning rallies and touring car championships driven by famed drivers like Mike Hawthorn, Roy Salvadori, and Stirling Moss.

This handsome Mark II is an original 3.8 liter car, still retaining its matching-numbers engine and cylinder head. The car has been the subject of a detailed and documented restoration, supported by a substantial 3 inch thick binder of invoices documenting the extensive mechanical and cosmetic restoration performed in 2010 with additional improvements in 2016 and 2017. Ownership documents date back to the prior owners purchase in 1993, including registration receipts and records for service. In 2010 Vintage Autoworks in Tucker, GA began the restoration process focusing on extensive mechanical work documented in records included with the car. Work included a comprehensive engine rebuild including line honing the doweled main caps and all cylinders, resizing pistons, crankshaft regrind, resurfacing the flywheel, adjusting valves, checking all clearances, and final reassembly using correct finishes, hoses, and hardware. All new hardware and correct replacement bolts and fittings were used throughout the engine and underhood restoration. Engine machining work alone was over $3,700. A 12 blade fan, new aluminum radiator, new carburetors, and new exhaust were also fitted. The owner elected to upgrade the brakes using new 4-piston brakes and calipers at the front, with new mounting adapter plates, fresh hardware, new hard lines, soft lines, and pads. The fuel system was also restored as needed, including all new fuel lines, a new fuel pump, tank cleaning, and new tank mounts. A new steering rack and various relevant front steering and suspension parts were also installed along with a properly sectioned lower steering column, cut to improve fit and steering performance. While the mechanical work was completed, the car was also prepared for a comprehensive interior restoration, including new front and rear seat covers, new Wilton Wool carpet set, underfelt kit, and sound insulating Dynamat. Even the front and rear door panels were properly sourced using stitch-only details instead of heat pressing. Underdash panels, side trim panels, and A-post panels were replaced using high quality materials and proper fasteners.

In 2016 and 2017, Classic Coachworks, Monterey, CA was commissioned to service the cars mechanical systems. Work at this time included rebuilding the carburetors and throttle linkage as well as installing an inline fuel filter, rebuilding the speedometer, installing a new differential pinion seal and rear housing gasket, and a new neutral safety switch. A new electronic ignition system was installed in 2016 along with a complete review of the electrical system and replacement of all bulbs, with repairs performed as needed. The brakes were inspected and some new hoses installed, in addition to a new brake booster and servo. A new alternator, fan belt tensioner, and various other detail items were also addressed. A set of period-type front and rear seatbelts were installed, safely anchored to proper floor points. Later that year, the transmission was removed and a new torque converter installed with proper modifications made to the transmission mounts and driveshaft. In total over $12,000 has been spent in the past year and a half to address mechanical systems, instruments, and electrical system.

Today, the car presents in essentially show-ready condition, retaining a factory stock appearance highlighted by beautiful paint and chrome. The paint is excellent, with high gloss and no significant chips or scratches of note and is applied to an exceptionally straight body that displays very good panel fit and smooth operation when opening and closing all four doors, hood, and trunk. Beautifully contrasted by gorgeous chrome plated wire wheels with eared knockoffs, the elegant Old English White paint and black-wall Vredestein tires give this saloon a very sporting appearance. The exterior trim, lenses, and glass are all in equally nice condition including a beautiful grille and leaper mascot and excellent chrome plating throughout.

The interior is very well presented, with the leather seating remaining supple, vibrant in color, evenly finished, and very well matched throughout the interior. The Wilton carpeting is in very nice condition as are the floor mats, door panels, and headliner. The wood throughout the car presents beautifully, with clear, glossy varnish, mellowing lightly in a few small areas. The instruments and switches are excellent throughout and correct in appearance, with the entire dashboard presenting very cohesively. The factory correct gloss black steering wheel and chrome plated horn ring are in place and in excellent order. Behind the front seats, quintessentially British hinged picnic trays are nicely covered in matching leather on the backs and trimmed with glossy lacquered wood finishes on the dining surfaces. Front and rear matching red seat belts and plated hardware complete the interior.

The engine compartment is clean and well-detailed, having been nicely finished with beautifully polished aluminum engine components, proper fasteners and hardware, correct hoses, proper induction plenum, and a very nicely chrome plated twin snorkle air cleaner. Both the cylinder head and the engine block numbers match, making this a correct 3.8 liter saloon just as it left the factory. The trunk is stock in appearance with nice paint to the metal on the inside surfaces and spare tire well, which houses a full sized matching wire wheel. The undercarriage is exceptionally solid and clean, showing proper care and cleanliness consistent with the presentation of the entire car.

Behind the wheel, one is struck by what a revelation this car must have been when new. An elegant car aesthetically, the driving position is both commanding and comfortable while the packaging feels just right: comfortable but also easy to place on the road and genuinely enjoyable when driving with purpose. The engine is well-tuned and exhibits good power. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly when warm. The updated brakes are effective but also well matched with the rest of the controls and systems. The recently replaced steering is direct and precise, benefiting from recent tires and suspension service. The chassis has a solid feel and the suspension offers a gratifying combination of comfort and control. The car comes with extensive service records and documentation relating to the restoration spanning 25 years as well as the owners manual.

This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire an authentic matching numbers 3.8 liter Mark II featuring extensive and well-executed improvements and beautiful presentation. With thousands of dollars recently spent sorting out cosmetic and mechanical details to a high standard, this fine Mark II is poised to act as a rewarding show car or a stunning driver in which to cover miles and miles of pleasurable driving.