1963 Jaguar Mk2 4.2-Litre Manual Overdrive Saloon

Jaguar unveiled their definitive Mk2 sports saloon in October 1959, featuring sleek lines that encapsulated the evolution of the Coventry marque's first monocoque design, seamlessly blending elegance and muscularity. The heart of the Mk2 was the XK DOHC straight-six engine, a refined iteration of the same engine that propelled Jaguar to five Le Mans victories. With its exceptional performance, the Mk2 swiftly rose to dominance in the realm of contemporary saloon car racing.

Underneath its classic exterior, the Mk2 boasted advanced engineering for its time. It sported coil-and-wishbone independent front suspension, a leaf-sprung Salisbury rear axle, and servo-assisted four-wheel disc brakes. The range-topping 3.8 model was particularly remarkable, delivering nearly seven times the horsepower of a humble Mini 850 with a top speed of 126mph. Inside, the Mk2 pampered its occupants with a truly iconic automotive interior. Elegant instrumentation, rich wood veneers and sumptuous leather upholstery combined to cocoon passengers in luxury and style.

This stunning UK-delivered Mk2 received a full restoration in 2014, which included a host of cosmetic and mechanical enhancements. The car now exudes a ‘Q car’ aura, combining understated elegance with potent performance. Finished in a classic British Racing Green exterior with a parchment leather interior, a colour combination that looks great and only gets better with time.

In 2005, the previous owner swapped the original 3.8-litre engine for the largest and most powerful 4.2-litre Jaguar unit, coupled with a crisp 4-speed manual gearbox with overdrive. While the original chassis was from a 2.4-litre model, aficionados would be quick to point out that the saloon bodies are nearly identical.

During the 2014 restoration, the car's sills were replaced, doors meticulously restored and panel gaps tightened. The underside received attention as well, addressing common weak points. The restoration extended with a new windscreen, brake discs, pads, callipers, and brake pipes. Additionally, it received a new fuel tank, fuel pipes, a carburettor rebuild, and an upgraded cooling system, along with numerous other mechanical enhancements. The chrome wire wheels were replaced and fitted with new tyres, and the chrome work was returned to near perfection. This painstaking work has resulted in a Mk2 that is not only visually stunning but also exceptionally capable and comfortably fast.

In the subsequent years of ownership, the gearbox and overdrive were overhauled by Hardy Engineering, the clutch was replaced, and the flywheel restored. The chassis was modified to allow easier removal of the gearbox, simplifying future maintenance. The engine and electrics were finetuned and upgraded, including the installation of an electronic distributor, new HT leads, coil, and spark plugs, all performed by the renowned marque specialists, The Jag Shop. The result is a Mk2 that runs beautifully, striking a harmonious balance between performance and classic elegance.

Whilst this Mk2 may not bear 'matching numbers', it more than compensates for that with its exceptional upgrades, understated looks and handsome presentation. The Jaguar Mk2's success, whether in the hands of legendary drivers like Stirling Moss and Roy Salvadori, or in its role with the police and the criminal underworld, attests to its prowess as a 'wolf in sheep's clothing'. This example is a testament to Jaguar's enduring legacy and is offered at a reasonable guide.