1965 Jaguar 3.4 MKII

Despite the Mk2 range fading from the Jaguar sales brochures several decades ago, enthusiasm for this classic "cat' from Coventry show no signs of abating.

Mk2s were popular with high-speed drivers who frequented both sides of the legal divide - beloved of bank robbers and underworld hoods due to its useful pace and agility, and also with the police who could only follow suit in stripped out 3.8s to give themselves half a chance in keeping up with the bad lads. While the 3.8 was the obvious choice for the 1960s speed freak, the cooking 2.4 could still muster 95mph or so and this was usually enough for most drivers. The 3.4 wasn't far behind the 3.8 in terms of pace and if anything had a slightly sweeter revving engine, so it is often the choice of the discerning buyer today.

MkII Jaguars don't come any better than this particular example, finished in Masons black and trimmed much as a gentleman's club would be, this Jaguar's interior is clad with red leather and plenty of timber. The interior hide is original and has patinated nicely over the years. This Jaguar looks spot on sitting on those beautiful wire wheels. This really is as good as it could get, or is it? Actually in this case no, because it gets better! We are informed by the vendor that this particular car previously belonged to a prominent titled owner who whilst not in the limelight nowadays certainly was in the 70s and 80s. The vendor also informs us of bills totalling just under £1500 in parts alone whilst in his careful ownership.

Externally all the bright work is in superb fettle and the panel fit is excellent throughout. The black paintwork has a deep lustre shine and only goes to emphasise those sweeping lines and makes a superb example of the restrained old world elegance and poise that this car represents. Under bonnet appearance is good with everything looking both clean and fresh; the vendor informs us that the cylinder heads have been overhauled along with various other minor replacements to ensure it should give excellent service. It fires into life readily and sounds great, with a subdued and discreet exhaust burble.

Power delivery is smooth and can be easily provoked into a spirited sprint from low revs, the brakes are firm, pulling up straight and well and true which all adds to a superb driving experience with this majestic Jaguar. It's raffish and menacing and embodies everything that Sir William Lyons wanted the MkII Jaguar to be, yet still embodies his guiding principles of 'grace, space and pace'. It is supplied with a fresh MOT so this car is ready to be enjoyed for the 2013 summer.