1961 Jaguar Mk2 3.8 manual/overdrive

• Jaguar's seminal Mk2 sports saloon in the ultimate 3.8-litre, manual/overdrive configuration
• UK/right-hand drive, matching numbers, original panels, and in its original colours of Opalescent Silver Grey with red interior
• Fully documented ownership history and a verifiable 20,400 miles
• Magazine-featured (see images) and considered one of best Mk2 examples in the UK
• Accompanied by a large history file, including many invoices, photos, a Heritage Certificate and all-original handbooks, toolkit, and even the paper tag that hung on the cigarette lighter to inform owners how to use it!
• In 2006, sold to Richard Fairbrass, lead singer of Right Said Fred, by a prominent Jaguar specialist where it benefited from a full engine-bay detail, power steering and other driving enhancements believed costing in excess of ú60,000
• One of the best Mk2 examples we have ever offered for sale

Launched in October 1959, the Jaguar Mk2 offered a noticeably improved driving experience over its predecessor courtesy of revised front suspension geometry, widened rear track, and four-wheel disc brakes. It was also better looking and, fittingly, the Mk2 was voted 'Car of the Year' in 1959 and would form the mainstay of Jaguar's saloon car production until 1967.

One of the most readily recognised cars of the 1960's, thanks in part to countless appearances in films and on television, Jaguar's seminal Mk2 saloon set the standard for the class throughout its entire production life and today remains highly prized by enthusiasts. With the advent of the Mk2, the 3.8-litre version of Jaguar's XK twin-cam six became available for the first time in the company's medium-sized saloon. In 3.8-litre, manual/overdrive configuration with 220bhp on-tap and a whopping 240lb/ft of torque available at a lowly 3,000rpm, it was a genuine 125 mph car capable of reaching 60mph in 8.5 seconds, outstanding figures for a saloon of its size and making it the fastest saloon in the world at the time.

The car presented here is that most desirable of models, a 1961 Jaguar Mk2 3.8-litre M/OD. This particular car is well-known and has been magazine-featured, having completed a genuine and well-documented 20,400 miles from new. It was sold new to a Mr James Young of Strathaven, Scotland, who ordered this Mk2 from Rossleigh Motors, notably with Ace Turbo wheel-trims and two huge air-horns situated in the front wings! Mr Young owned Townhead Garage and upon delivery of the car, he took the rather unusual step of having it professionally stripped and repainted in his 'garage livery' of Coffee and Cream. This work was carried out by Millar & Williamson of Kirkintilloch and period photographic documentation (in the accompanying history file) depicts the car in this colour scheme (Mr Young also assigned the very special registration number 'NU 1' to the car at this time, and this was later purchased by Norwich Union).

Mr Young only used the car sparingly at weekends and for holidays, however in 1964 he sadly fell ill and the Mk2 sat unused until his death 23 years later in 1987. Townhead Garage was then sold to a Mr Jimmy Louden and he agreed with Mr Young's widow that he would help dispose of her husband's car collection that had quietly accumulated over the years. Jimmy Louden fully re-commissioned the car and it was sold in 1988 with just 8,500 miles on the clock!

In subsequently passed between a number of owners since (all fully documented in history file, often with letters from each), including a Mr Kevin Videan of Pembrokeshire, who together with the Mk2 featured in a great article in the January 2005 edition of 'Jaguar Enthusiast' magazine (photos of which are attached to this listing, use arrows to click right through). Prior to his ownership, the car was professionally restored back to its original colour combination (with another high quality repaint in 2012 with a photographic record and receipts); the only external deviation now from the original factory specification is the fitment of wire wheels.

The interior is one of the best we have seen, presented in an unrestored condition, with a beautiful patina and unrepeatable original smell, a rare opportunity to experience just how Jaguar prepare their veneers when new! The only upgrade is the addition of a recreated Derrington steering wheel, a popular upgrade in the period.

In 2006, it was sold to Richard Fairbrass, lead singer of 'Right Said Fred', by a leading Jaguar specialist where it benefitted from a full engine-bay detail, power steering and other driving enhancements believed to cost in excess of ú60,000. Our vendor purchased the car in 2011 and has continued the fastidious maintenance and storage of it. Having enjoyed his time with it, this fabulous Mk2 is now ready for a new owner to drive and enjoy.