1961 FIA Jaguar MkII 3.8

This 1961, FIA MkII 3.8 Jaguar has been subject to a full restoration over the past five years with a full photographic record which is included in the history file. The car was built with the specific intention of racing in the annual Spa Six Hours endurance race but, having been put together strictly in accordance with FIA Regulations, it will obviously qualify for several other race series, both here and abroad, that take place under the auspices of the FIA. All work carried out to the car was done with the vision of creating an 'appreciation' of the 'works cars' as raced by Hill, Salvadori, Hulme, Moss, Clark and others in the early 1960s, and the car does indeed look the part with the exception of those changes made to meet modern safety requirements. Exact details of the appropriate spec were gathered from a number of well-known Jaguar experts, including Peter Wilson (ex-Jag Competitions Dept and author of 'Cat Out of the Bag'), the legendary Norman Dewis, and ex-Jaguar test driver Peter Bell who is a mine of information on the Mk II and the son of Ken Bell formerly of Coombs. Power comes from a 3.8 built to the correct 'homologation spec' using new components with all engine machining carried out by Chesman Motorsport in Coventry. The components include: 9.1 competition pistons, high-lift cams, flowed head, and larger valves, all fully balanced and lightened as required. The fuel is supplied by a couple of SU HD8s and exhaust gasses are dealt with by a bespoke system from 'Ecosse Motorsport' in Girvan. A high-torque starter motor gets everything spinning and a 'Kenlowe' fan aids engine cooling, The gearbox is an early Moss, non-overdrive example and the brakes use new BG calipers with slightly larger bores to meet homologation requirements.The front suspension is as standard with Poly-bushed components and one-degree negative-camber. A standard anti-roll bar is fitted but the car is supplied with a thicker Harvey Bailey bar along with a short-ratio steering rack for events where these parts are allowed. Furthermore, there are lowered coil springs with increased poundage (Coombs spec), adjustable Spax shock absorbers and a Chris Adams wheel bearing adjustment kit, which we're informed helps to reduce brake knock-off. The rear suspension has lowered springs, strengthened components (as per the 'Works' cars), adjustable Spax shock absorbers, Polybushes, reinforced Panhard Rod fittings, a Thornton 'Power Lock' LSD and strengthened half-shafts. The fully fitted roll cage can be removed if required, and the fuel tank holds 30 Gallons with twin SU fuel pumps. A number of bodywork modifications have been undertaken replicating the original works cars and the side windows are 'Lexon' polycarbonate. Both front and rear screens are heated, a Lifeline fire system has been fitted, and the seat and harness are reported to be in date. Supplied with new wheels with Dunlop M section tyres, the aforementioned history file, a dyno set-up sheet (Aldon Automotive. December '16), and a valid MOT, this lovely old Jaguar certainly looks like a very effective historic racer and may well offer exclusive access (regulations permitting) to a number of prestige Historic Motorsport events around Europe.