1962 Jaguar MK2 3.8 MOD

• Jaguar's seminal Mk2 sports saloon in the ultimate 3.8-litre, manual/overdrive configuration
• A genuine, matching-numbers survivor, from only two owners.The first for 22 years, covering just under 52,000 miles, the second owner amassed just a further 18,000 miles during the next 36 years
• The paintwork was refreshed some 25 years ago and shows no sign of deterioration, the underside is in a condition which 'needs to be seen to be believed'
• Recently been professionally re-trimmed in the original colour by Aldridge Trimming; the reclining front seats were a factory option and fitted from new
• The engine was completely rebuilt only 4,000 miles ago (invoice on file) and performs perfectly. A later ('65 on) fully rebuilt Jaguar all-synchro overdrive gearbox and power steering from the same period have been fitted

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 1960s, 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 1962 Jaguar Mk2 3.8-litre M/OD, in striking Opalescent Bronze paintwork. This example is a really genuine, matching-numbers survivor of its type, cherished from new by only two owners. The first kept it for some 22 years, covering just under 52,000 miles (letter of confirmation on file), the second (lady) owner added a further 18,000 miles on 'high days and holidays' during the next 36 years, with maintenance being carried out by her engineer husband.

The paintwork was refreshed some 25 years ago and shows no sign of deterioration, the underside is in a condition which really 'needs to be seen to be believed'. The leather interior has been recently professionally retrimmed in the original colour with material supplied by Aldridge Trimming and the reclining front seats were a factory option fitted from new and have the built-in picnic tables to the rear.

The 3.8-litre engine was completely rebuilt only 4,000 miles ago (invoice on file) and performs perfectly - strong, responsive, and quiet in operation. To improve driveability and with minimal compromise to originality, a later ('65 on) fully rebuilt Jaguar all-synchro overdrive gearbox and power steering from the same period have been fitted.

It is difficult to overstate the overall condition of this lovely, UK-supplied 3.8 MOD car with correct chassis number and matching engine for its type, still wearing its original Southampton registration number. Supplied with a Heritage Certificate, the aforementioned letter from first owner, assorted invoices and MOT Certificates from 1984, its original handbook/manuals, original toolkit and, fascinatingly, a copy of the Southampton Echo from August 1963 which was secreted in the car by the first owner and discovered during the re-trim!