1962 Jaguar Mark II

This MKII’s chassis number of 156794BW confirms it as a mid-1961, home market right hand drive model, originally with the Borg Warner automatic transmission and the esteemed 3.4-litre straight six XK engine. This Jaguar left Browns Lane in August 1961 originally in a dark blue livery with light blue upholstery. The MKII was first registered in March 1962 and has been enjoyed by 11 former keepers to date.

The previous keeper retained the MKII for 14 years before current keeper, Chris, acquired it in March 2023. The observant amongst you will note that, today, this MKII features an alternative livery inside and out and a much desired four speed manual gearbox with overdrive. The colour change from blue to grey was registered with the DVLA in April 1998, potentially signposting a restoration at around this time. The Jaguar was last MoTd in March 2018 at an indicated 50,695 miles. Today’s odometer reading of 51,647 hints at very light usage in recent years.
 

To the casual observer there was little to externally distinguish the MKII from the MKI but comparing them side by side soon reveals the differences. The MKII benefitted from a full 18% more cabin glass area lending it a significantly more modern look, as well as a lighter, airier feeling cabin. The loss of the rear spats also did much to give the MKII a significantly sportier demeanour, too.

Our example presents very well indeed in its sophisticated looking gunmetal livery and exhibiting all those key MKII attributes. The paintwork exudes a nice lustre and appears to be in a good, overall condition. The brightwork, of which there is plenty, also shines brightly with the ample, shaped bumpers looking particularly dominant. The front end of the MKII is particularly eye-catching. The twin driving lights are fitted close to the elliptical, slatted radiator grill. 

Our ever vigilant operations team did note a few areas of imperfection which is almost inevitable, of course, given this car’s 63-year age. Both offside doors appear to have been more recently resprayed at a lower standard than the rest of the car. The usual scratches are noted with some quite large ones on the nearside, and there is some localised paint bubbling on the offside front wing. Some adjustment may be required to the offside front door rubber as this is loose and prevents the door from shutting flush. 

The MKII sits on cross-spoked, silver painted wire wheels. These are affixed with deeply chromed, Jaguar inscribed twin-eared central spinners. The wheels are shod with a matching set of Vredestein radial style classic tyres in a 185 configuration. These appear to be date stamped from 2011. 
 

The Jaguar’s cabin is trimmed in complementary hues of red. The well-padded front seats are stitched into padded box pleated central panels with smooth, leather bolsters. The rear bench is identically trimmed and in an equally fine condition. A fold down armrest is fitted as are C panel mounted, round courtesy lights. Twin, fold down rear tables are fitted to the backs of the front seats. There is a lovely degree of use related patina present, and the overall condition looks excellent.

The carpets are edge bound in leather and appear to have been replaced at an earlier restoration such is their condition. The headlining is clean and fresh and tightly fitted. Door cards are finished in red leather, capped with walnut veneer accents and fitted with chromed door furniture. 

The dashboard is a totem of Jaguar’s period prowess in terms of cabin fit, finish and design. It emphasises the company’s sporting heritage and would have given its contemporary competitors something to think about. The big, white on black Smiths gauges are arranged into two separate clusters. The speedometer and tachometer sit directly ahead of the driver. In the centre panel four, smaller auxiliary gauges and six toggle switches are located. The original, slender two spoke Jaguar steering wheel rounds off the period originality perfectly.

The generous boot is finished with a fitted vinyl mat, to protect the body-coloured painted floor. The A-frame, Jaguar jack is mounted to the bulkhead and a full sized spare wire wheel with matching Vredestein tyre is housed under the floor. 
 

The mechanical specification of this MKII features the desirable combination of 3.4-litre, straight six XK engine and retrofitted four speed manual transmission. In this application the XK engine features twin SU HD6 carburettors and produced 210 (gross) hp in original trim. The MKII also featured Dunlop disc brakes all round and this example still features the warning lozenge on the rear bumper, alerting drivers of less well configured models to this car’s deceleration prowess. 

Our team have highlighted a few mechanical areas of note to include a misfire between around 1,500 and 2,000 rpm under acceleration, a stiff and knocking front suspension and some noticeably squeaky belts.

The under-bonnet presentation of our example is very clean and original looking. The alloy portions of the hardware are well polished, and the original twin inlet air filter housing is still fitted. The underside of the car looks clean with plenty of preservative underseal seemingly present. There is some corrosion noted in places leaving the potential for some remedial attention to be expended here should the new owner see fit.
 

There’s a reasonable level of useful and informative paperwork included with this MKII. The current V5 registration document is present. This categorises the car as a Historic Vehicle and, as such, VED and MoT exempt in the UK. Numerous earlier MoTs in hard copy are also present.

The perennially informative Heritage Certificate is present detailing the factory build record for this car. There is also an independent condition report present dating from 2011 at 47,754 miles. The remainder of the archive consists of invoices detailing parts sourced and work undertaken. 
 

The MKII Jaguar possessed such a winning combination of skills and attributes that it really needed no external help to become part of the very fabric of the British classic automotive scene. It didn’t need it, but it got it anyway from John Thaw’s real ale swigging, classical music loving, cerebral sleuth. This unexpected exposure helped lift the MKII above other Jaguar saloons of the period to become more recognisable and more desirable than all of them.

This example is a great totem for the breed. It has a sought after specification, being a 3.4L manual with overdrive, and clearly having been previously restored and upgraded. The condition is very good overall, and the car is an almost guaranteed head turner and conversation starter in its appealing grey and red livery. What better way to enjoy the sights and sounds of Oxford, or any other locale, than from behind the slender wheel of this imposing MKII Jaguar?

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £12,000 - £17,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.