Vendor Supplied Images
Highlights
- Smart and usable Mk2 with overdrive and power steering
- Vast list of restoration work covering body, electrics, trim and mechanicals
- Just three owners from new with thick history file
- Rare full length Webasto-style sunroof
- Plenty of useful maintenance since 2010
- ULEZ, MOT and tax exempt
The Appeal
In the late 1950s and early 1960s Jaguar was on a roll. The facelift on the Mk1 to create the simply named Mk2 was surely one of the cleverest and best executed of all time, creating one of the world’s most beautiful and enduring saloons.
Jaguar didn’t rest on its laurels. The Mk2 was continuously improved throughout its life, most notable with the addition of the fully synchromesh manual gearbox from April 1965. Combined with the desirable optional overdrive, the result is a particularly driveable classic saloon.
This attractive Opalescent Warwick Grey car has that later box plus overdrive specification and has latterly been fitted with power steering. It also has a lovely full length Webasto-style folding sunroof.
It has had just three owners from new and comes to us with one of the best history files we've seen in recent months for a Mk2. There has been considerable expenditure across bodywork, mechanicals, trim and electrics as well as useful upgrades like power steering. Little used since, it is a very stylish and usable Mk2 that looks ready for its fifth owner in nearly 60 years.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in the UK on 10th May 1965
- Just four owners from new
- Previous owner from 1990 to 2023
- Vendor recently drove the car from London to Scotland without issue
- Original Opalescent Warwick Grey which has not been changed during its life
- Complete engine rebuild 2,456 miles ago with new speedometer fitted
- Rewired during engine removal, rebuild and re-installation process
- Rebuild documented in history file with photographs
- Thick history file included handwritten notes on all work since 2010 in two bulging folders
- Oil and filter changed at 576 miles
- MOT expired on 24th September 2019 but has covered less than 600 miles since
- Many new parts acquired from Mk2 specialists M & C Williamson
- 2 full sets of keys
Engine rebuild in 2015 including:
- Rebored
- New pistons
- Re-ground crank
- New bearings
- New timings chains
- Full cylinder head rebuild
- £9,000 in parts, sundries and labour
Notable maintenance since 2010, much of it since 2018 :
- M & C Williamson power steering kit fitted at cost of £1,400+VAt in parts alone
- New fuel pump
- New petrol tank
- Light pressure clutch from M & C Williamson
- New alternator and electronic ignition in 2018
- Upgraded brakes servo and callipers
- High grade electric coolant fan with switch
- Halogen headlamps
- Recent full service with new battery with power cut off switch
- Coombs bonnet vents
- Spin off oil filter upgrade
- Matching modern tyres
- Suspension upgrade
- Full professional under-bonnet detail with new components
- Interior and headlining refreshed
- Veneers restored in 2010
- Engine work in 2011
- Screen rubbers replaced front and rear in same year
- Front seats retrimmed in 2016 at cost of nearly £1,100
- Power steering and new clutch fitted in 2018 at cost of £1,980
The Interior
- Attractive grey leather interior showing combination of restored and original trim
- Front seats retrimmed in 2016 and present very well with little signs of wear
- Veneers restored in 2010 and remain in very well kept condition
- Only the dash top wood section shows light but not unsightly cracking
- Smiths dials appear original and are clear and in good condition
- Two spoke factory Bakelite wheel
- Rear seat appears to be original leather that has been repainted
- It shows signs of deterioration to the squab and backrest
- Headlining appears to be factory correct with only very light marks visible
- Carpets present well in complementary grey
- Door cards appear to have been refreshed and show well
- Picnic tables on backs of front seats
- Boot area is in good condition with clean black vinyl cover and wheel jack
- Chrome trim to doors and windows bright, complete and undamaged
The Exterior
- Attractive light grey metallic paintwork appears to be older restoration
- Has held up very well with only very minor marks and chips visible
- Appears to be largely corrosion free
- There is some cracking below the nearside front wing marker plinth
- Small bubble in front nearside arch
- Otherwise the bodywork and panel fit are in good order
- Standard car but with the addition of two vents let into the bonnet
- Standard factory steel wheels with body colour trim and chrome hub caps
- Tyres show good tread and appear to be in good condition
- Chromework appears original and displays light deterioration to bumpers and tarnished trim
- Boot floor in very good condition in matching body colour with no visible corrosion
- Inner arches are solid with no noticeable corrosion
- Underside appears to be in excellent condition with good under-sealing
The Mechanics
- 3,442cc Jaguar XK straight six engine developing around 200bhp
- Full engine rebuild with few miles covered since
- Twin carburettors overhauled in 2019 and 2020
- rear hubs rebuilt and braking system upgraded in 2021
- New shock absorbers fitted in 2021
- New speedometer fitted in 2021
- Ball joints replaced in 2018
- Detailed engine bay with full rewire and all components renewed
- Retro-fitted with power steering
- Electronic ignition fitted in 2018
- Reported excellent oil pressure when hot showing 40PSi
- Last serviced around 2,000 miles ago
- Appears to be fitted with new fuel tank
- Desirable manual overdrive model with later all synchromesh gearbox
Summary
The Mk2 is obviously classified as a saloon but there is a strong argument to say it is much more of a four door sports car. Its success on race circuits certainly attests to its abilities.
This lovely Mk2 comes to us with a vast history file covering bodywork, electric, mechanical and trim enhancements, If you’re discovering the joys of these cars for the first time or revisiting them, this one looks very tempting.
BEFORE YOU BUY
BEFORE YOU BUY
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