Fantasy Junction

Description

1963 Jaguar Mark 2
s/n P2211808W engine no. LC2889-9
Blue with Beige Leather Interior

While Jaguar captured headlines and hearts with their extraordinarily competent sports and racing car offerings in the 1950s, their bread and butter was always saloon cars. The iconic “grace, space, and pace” tagline was genuinely appropriate. Not only were their sedans elegant and luxurious, they featured Jaguar’s innovative twin-cam engine, disc brakes, and genuinely world class suspension engineering that incorporated lessons from winning a continuous stream of world sports car championships. Jaguar took this philosophy further by introducing what is arguably one of the world’s first sports sedans. Initially called the 2.4 Litre and 3.4 Litre, the model was retroactively referred to as the Mark 1 when the Mark 2 emerged in 1959. Both cars were smaller than the Mark VII to Mark IX full size sedans then available, yet they were available with the largest XK engines then produced, the 3.4 liter and later the 3.8. This “big motor in a small car” philosophy made the Mark 1 and 2 a genuinely high performance car of any type, let alone a sedan, and the cars were very successful in motorsport, winning rallies and touring car championships driven by famed drivers like Mike Hawthorn, Roy Salvadori, and Stirling Moss.

Available in a wide range of configurations to meet the needs of various types of consumers, the Mark 2’s most desirable variant was its most sporting: the biggest engine, manual transmission, and wire wheels. This handsome Mark 2 is an original 3.8 liter car that retains its matching-numbers engine, while its automatic transmission has been replaced by a modern 5-speed manual. The car has been properly cared for and treated to substantial improvements totaling over $28,000 since 2008. A thick file of invoices shows the extent of the work: a 5-speed manual transmission conversion, alternator conversion, and the fitment of XJ6 rack and pinion steering, all sourced from XKs Unlimited. During the manual transmission installation, the car also received a modular JTS bell housing, new driveshaft, transmission mounting bracket, flywheel (balanced), clutch master cylinder, clutch slave cylinder, and clutch pressure plate. The car was also updated with front and rear GAZ shock absorbers, master cylinder, G-R starter, and when the two front seats were rebuilt, seat heaters were installed for added comfort.

Today, the car is in excellent overall condition, with a largely stock appearance. The paint was done by the well-known Jaguar restorer Images Autobody some years ago and remains in very nice condition. There are a few minor indications of use on many of the panels, but the overall presentation is strong. The body is exceptionally straight with good panel fit and smooth operation opening and closing all doors, hood, and trunk. The car is currently fitted with the more sporting Coombs type rear wheel spats (named for John Coombs, who modified Jaguars for racing in the 1960s) while the original less revealing rear spats were restored and can easily be installed as well. This Mark II has a very purposeful stance, shod with a recent set of Vredestein tires and gorgeous chrome plated wire wheels with eared knockoffs, the dark blue paint and black-wall tires give a very sporting appearance. The exterior trim, lenses, and glass are all very nice with the windshield showing some minor chips, with a very well composed fascia set off by Hella headlights and a handsome pair of fog lamps (optionally available when new) to replace the small grilles, which are included with the car. Chrome plating is in very good condition throughout the car with light pitting.

The interior is excellent overall, with the leather seating displaying some patina though still supple, evenly finished, and clean. The carpeting is in very nice condition as are the floor mats, door panels, and headliner. The wood throughout the car is quite nice with good varnish and only very minor areas showing some mellowing and slight marks. The instruments and switches are excellent throughout and correct in appearance, with the entire dashboard presenting very cohesively, purposefully highlighted by a beautiful wood rimmed Moto Lita steering wheel. The headliner and carpets are both in excellent shape. Even the delightful wooden dropdown picnic trays behind the front seats are nicely covered in matching leather, maintaining their handsome wood lacquered finish. Front and rear seatbelts have been added with matching grey belts, with a matching wooden cup holder added between the front seats.

The engine compartment is clean and attractive, having been nicely finished with correct polished aluminum engine components, proper fasteners and hardware, correct hoses, proper induction plenum, and a correctly finished stock air cleaner and housing. It is important to note that both the head and the engine numbers match, making this a correct 3.8 liter saloon retaining the original engine. The trunk is stock in appearance with nice paint to the metal components and black carpet in excellent condition. The jack is in place, and the original tool set is present in a special compartment inside the spare, which is also a full sized matching wire wheel. The undercarriage is exceptionally solid and clean, showing proper care and cleanliness consistent with the presentation of the entire car.

Behind the wheel, one is truly reminded of the captivating duality of this car. An elegant car aesthetically, it also has a sporting character that makes it a pleasure to drive. The engine is well-tuned and makes great noise and power. Coupled to the close ratio gearbox with a nice tall 5th gear for cruising, the driveline makes for a competent, well-rounded car that is thrilling when the driver wants it to be, and civilized the rest of the time. The gearbox is slick and effortless in its operation, while the clutch has a progressive easy to modulate character. The brakes are effective and confidence-inspiring and the steering is direct and precise. The chassis has a solid feel and the suspension offers a good blend of comfort and body control which coupled with the rest of the driving characteristics, give the car a surprising chuckability and fun factor.

The car comes a correct jack, complete tool kit with factory tools, a pair of original chrome grilles that can replace the fog lamps if so desired, a hefty file of records and receipts, as well as several Jaguar catalogs and documents.

This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a wonderful Mark II with many desirable attributes. This authentic matching numbers 3.8 liter saloon offers extensive and well-executed improvements, beautiful presentation, and over $28,000 spent sorting out cosmetic and mechanical details to a high standard. Poised to deliver miles and miles of pleasurable driving, coupled with vintage charm and luxury appointments, this Mark II is ready to deliver delightful ownership experiences as only a suitably outfitted Jaguar saloon can offer.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608