Fantasy Junction

Description

1964 Jaguar Mark 2
s/n 127601DN
Cotswold Blue with Blue Leather Interior

Jaguar’s Mark 2 can be considered one of the earliest sport sedans. Its handsome styling and sparkling performance, particularly when properly equipped, demonstrated that smaller did not necessarily mean inferior. The Mark 1 was introduced in 1956 as a small sedan to expand Jaguar’s model line and met with reasonable but not outstanding success. The styling was reworked and the mechanical specification improved for 1959 and the new variant, called the Mark 2, which was not only significantly more attractive and modern in appearance, but also proved to be extremely popular. The car was available in 2.4, 3.4, and 3.8 liter forms, with the 3.8 liter variant, essentially Jaguar’s largest engine in their smallest sedan, being a genuinely high performance car with excellent roadholding, braking, and straight line performance. Indeed, the cars proved to be quite successful in saloon car racing, and for these reasons, Mark 2s are considerably more valuable and collectible than their bigger siblings, the Mark IX, Mark X, and 420G, despite the fact that all of those cars were considerably more costly when new.

This particular car is a black plate California car that was owned for many years by Jim Groom, owner of the highly regarded Jaguar and vintage race car shop Jim Groom Sports Cars. During his ownership, which spanned about 15-20 years from the 1980s until approximately 2003, he thoroughly restored the car, performing subtle upgrades to enhance the car’s usability and performance while maintaining a period presentation. He purchased the car in the Berkeley hills from a professor at the University of California Berkeley and had a cosmetic restoration performed, as well as the mechanical systems. Included in this was the fitment of a rebuilt motor, a 3.4 liter unit that was bored to a 3.8, fitted with twin 2-inch SU carburetors with manual choke. An MSD electronic ignition system with advance/retard adjustment switch inside the car has been fitted. The transmission and overdrive unit were also rebuilt, and the car has a 3.54 rear end. The clutch line was modified and a different Girling master and slave fitted to provide faster clutch action. The brakes were rebuilt and fitted with carbon Kevlar pads, and the master cylinder was also rebuilt. The suspension was rebuilt, with new ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings. Spax adjustable coilovers with increased spring rates were fitted at the front and new Konis at the rear. The car received an XJS power steering rack, boosted by an original Mark 2 power steering pump. The radiator and heater core were also rebuilt and an air conditioning system added.

The result of this work is tremendously impressive. The car is visually understated and essentially stock in appearance but the driving experience is transformed. The driveline is especially remarkable. The engine is well tuned and seems particularly powerful, especially coupled with the 3.54 rear end. The in gear acceleration is impressive, at least on par with a Series I E-Type, if not better. The induction and exhaust noise are absolutely fantastic, with an uncharacteristic growl that isn’t usually emitted by the typical XK powerplant. The brakes have fantastic feel and are easy to modulate with firm pedal feel that is uncommon in vintage cars. The chassis is coherent and the car corners in a sure-footed and drama-free manner that contrasts markedly from the standard Mark 2. The steering is light and effortless and certainly the car corners in a much flatter way with more grip than an average Mark 2. The transmission operates with ease and the overdrive works properly. Overall, the transformation from the modifications is extraordinary. The car still feels like a vintage Mark 2, but more capable in just about every way. While a standard Mark 2 is simply a willing partner that will oblige the driver if asked to hustle, this car is an enthusiastic participant that encourages the driver to drive in a spirited manner that belies both the age and the number of doors of the car.

This fact is all the more impressive given that the car has covered approximately 45,000 miles since its restoration. Groom sold the car to its current owner approximately 10 years ago, who has continued to have the car serviced by Groom and he has kept the car up well. The radiator was recently rebuilt, along with the brake booster and front brakes.

Cosmetically, the car makes a great impression. The paintwork was done to high standards and remains in very good condition with some chips to the front of the car from road use. There are also some touched in chips on the edge of the trunk aperture, and a few minor stress cracks about the car. Overall, the paint appears to be fresh and glossy and the body is exceptionally straight with good panel fit and operation throughout. The gaps are excellent other than that the bottom trailing edges of both rear doors sit a bit proud. The chrome is in very good condition with some swirling. The rear over riders have some pitting but most of the remaining chrome is free of pitting. The glass and lights are excellent overall, with Lucas foglamps and headlamps which run 100W main beams. The front windscreen has some pitting from road use.

The interior is excellent overall. The leather has some patina but is supple and intact. The wood was redone as part of the restoration and has minor checking to the varnish in a few areas but is excellent overall. The instruments and switches are excellent and correct in appearance other than some deterioration to the column stalks. The headliner and carpets are both in excellent shape. The car as custom speaker enclosures in the front kick panels and an aftermarket Alpine stereo.

The engine compartment is clean and attractive. It is very nice for a driver, but is not fully detailed. The stock air cleaner is still in place and there are many signs of recent maintenance. The trunk is stock in appearance with nice paint to the metal components and correct vinyl upholstery. The jack is in place, and the original tool set is present in a special compartment inside the spare. The undercarriage is exceptionally solid and Mr. Groom reports that following his close inspection and comprehensive attention to the car, it has never been in an accident.

This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a wonderful Mark 2 with many desirable attributes. A factory overdrive black plate California car, this example is structurally outstanding. It is finished in great colors and appears stock, but the performance and driving experience are anything but, making it a genuine sleeper. The car was mechanically dialed by its highly capable owner and set up with superlative attention to detail. The resulting car is extremely compelling, with a coherent and well-resolved driving experience that retains the charm of the Mark 2 but dramatically enhances the fun, speed, and excitement of driving a Mark 2.

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