1960 Jaguar Mark II 3.8 Saloon

The Mk.II 3.8 litre is a quick car even by today's standards. The engine produced 220bhp and was capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds and could reach a top speed of 125mph. Therefore, when the car was new, it was unquestionably one of, if not the fastest saloon car on the planet.

Great success on track followed with all the top drivers of the day including Graham Hill, Roy Salvadori and Michael Parkes campaigning the Mk.II to various victories throughout saloon car races in the sixties and across Europe in the Tour De France and Monte Carlo rally. Furthermore, Mk.II's gained an infamous reputation as a capable "getaway car' among the criminal underworld and the police also used them as motorway patrol cars. These capable and robust Jaguars had seating for five adults and in 3.8Litre specification could outrun almost any other car on the road.What sets this car apart is not is racing pedigree, or even its bank-robbing credentials, but rather its seamless harmony of old and new specifically designed to make this the perfect gentleman's carriage. The previous owner set a brief to build a no-expense- spared Daily Classic incorporating the luxuries you may expect from a 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

The result is exceptional. A nut & bolt rebuild was completed on this car to bring it to new standards whilst keeping the classic look, including sympathetic upgrades to modern specifications. Beginning with the engine, this was completely rebuilt with a bigger valved 4.2 injection head and 8:1 Pistons. The gearbox which is all synchro has an uprated 4.2 overdrive unit; the rear axle, with a 3.54 lock diff has all bearings replaced; new UJ's to the prop shaft; new steering rack; new hubs, wheel bearings, rubber bushes, rear Boge shocks, heavy duty lowered Coombes springs, front Gaz shocks and a Harvey Bailey front roll bar all professionally set up. You name it, it's had it.

The list of modifications adorned to this car is endless, but consists not entirely of the following: Powerful Air conditioning, power steering, 65 amp alternator, aluminium competition radiator, Coopercraft front calipers with vented discs and EBC pads, rear E-Type calipers, oil cooler, competition stainless steel free-flow exhaust with cast iron heat wrapped manifold, upgraded Smiths heater with stainless steel water pipes and electric engine cooling fan, eight new Smiths dials made for the car; leather centre armrest, electronic speedo with digital odometer, high torque starter motor, fully alarmed, XJ40 front electric seats with rear illuminated walnut picnic trays, electric front and rear windows with rear window immobiliser switch, heated front and rear screens, cruise control actuated from the gear knob, remote central locking with auto window closure, new wiper motor with variable speed wipers, built-in satellite navigation system, CD player and memory card, Bluetooth phone and IPod connection including lead, rear view camera and upgraded speakers! As we said, you name it, it's had it...

Driving the car is a revelation. The handling is superb and it is able to cruise effortlessly at 100mph with the engine just ticking over. A photographic history of the extensive rebuild comes with the car. This is an opportunity to buy a Jaguar with classic good looks but everyday usability in modern conditions. It cost a fortune to produce and is being sold for a fraction of its rebuild cost.