1965 Jaguar MK II 3.4

It’s the latter existence that this MkII has enjoyed since it was registered in the UK back in May 2021. Prior to this, it apparently spent its years in South Africa, where it was originally assembled by CDA – Car Distributors, East London. The vendor informs us, after a little VIN detective work, that although the bodywork and badges suggest this is a 3.8-litre machine, the engine fitted is in fact a 3.4-litre. Decoding the chassis and engine plates, he reasons that the factory supplied the car as such, because said numbers appear to match, even if the displacement doesn’t...

Since coming to our shores, this MkII has received a number of parts from some of the most established and respected Jaguar specialists anywhere in the World. We have invoices from Martin Robey and David Manners, but it was West Sussex-based K&N Classic Cars who was tasked with the most recent refresh. A £5500+ invoice from September 2022 shows a host of fixes, which we’ll get to later, but the vendor reports owner Keith (of K&N) was suitably impressed with the car’s condition. “Keith remarked that it is a very good example (never been welded underneath) that has obviously benefitted from being in South Africa for most of its life.

The vendor also states that he’s only parting with the car, which he purchased through this very platform in 2021, because of mobility issues. “I had knee surgery in August last year and further surgery before Christmas. Subsequently, the car has sat in the garage since last summer and it really needs driving and to be enjoyed.”

This Old English White MkII sports a wonderful mix of presentability and patina. It makes an excellent first impression, which also holds up to closer scrutiny, yet there are a few small imperfections here and there – perfectly in-keeping with a cherished and used example. It clearly hasn’t spent its whole life cocooned in a humidity-controlled environment, awaiting the right time to sell and reap the largest financial rewards – it’s been driven and it’s all the better for it.

Inevitably, that means it’s picked up a few marks, one of which is a small stone chip that’s taken the paint down to its primer, on the nearside front wing. While we’re up front, the period correct Lucas headlight lenses look clear and damage-free. The large chrome frontal area also looks resplendent, though we noticed the trim surrounding both front and rear screens are missing in action.

We’d concur with the previous opinion from Keith at K&N, as there doesn’t appear to be any obvious exterior sign of corrosion, though we did spot some runs or bubbles on the bottom of the offside rear door. There’s a little light impact damage to the bottom of the rear panel (underside) too – presumably from a low-speed parking ding – and some light paint chips to the top of the nearside sill (in the door close). Some overspray to the boot seal – and most door gaps – is about all there is to report, as far as we could detect. 

The wheels look solid though they are wrapped in Hifly budget rubber, which aren’t ideal for exploring this Jaguar’s inherently grippy chassis, but at least they all match. We’ve said it already, but it’s worth repeating, this 59-year old machine looks superb with what we’d deem to be an ideal level of age-appropriate patina.

That theme continues on the inside, though things are arguably even tidier. Red leatherette trim was a frequent accompaniment to white, and with good reason, it’s a classic combo that never fails to impress. The quality of the trim in this MkII elevates it above many a tired example, without any of the tears or cracks present in an unloved example. The seat fabric looks supple and highly-presentable, though we noticed the vinyl covering the driver’s base looked a little saggy. The front seats have lap belts, but not the rears, and pedal rubbers show very little wear.

There’s a crack in the steering wheel centre logo, though we couldn’t detect any on the rim. Similarly, the wood of the dashboard is looking fantastic; ostensibly free from the usual cracks associated with hot climate cars. The headlining and trim in general look very good, though not perfect. For example, the inner door trim on the driver’s side is coming loose around the window. 

The carpets and door cards look great and the metal underneath also seems to be sound. The boot metal in particular (floor and spare-wheel well) seem in remarkable condition. While we’re in the boot, it’s nice to see a complete tool kit too (even if it’s sporting a little surface corrosion). There’s also what looks to be a brand-new spare tyre.

We didn’t get a chance to drive this Jaguar so we’ll have to rely on the vendor’s view, which is as follows: “Has been running well and has that lovely six-cylinder sound when you put your foot down. Overdrive works well. The oil pressure gauge can be intermittent (works most of the time). I’m sure it’s the sender unit (looks original).” 

We did poke our nose under the bonnet and found an engine bay that’s on par with the rest of the condition of this classic Jaguar. It’s clearly had some new parts fitted lately, as is evidenced by the fresh-looking top radiator hose and jubilee clips. There’s also a new vibe to the glass fuel inspection accumulator as well as various other fittings, gaskets and parts throughout. The patina however, is still present in the form of some light oxidisation and corrosion on exposed metal here and there.

We did notice that the heater appears to have been bypassed, evidenced by a blocked-off hose that leads nowhere. This was confirmed by the vendor; “When I bought it, the heater was seized and had been bypassed. I’ve refurbed the heater, but never got around to connecting it up (I’ve never used it in the cold and rain), it will need connecting.”

Underneath proper, there’s a bit of surface corrosion evident on most of the metal, though it certainly looks solid, as we’d expect from dry-climate car. Now it’s on our shores however, we’d top-up the protection pretty soon, to keep things that way. The most notable, and expensive addition underneath, seems to be the stainless-steel exhaust. We also noticed some dents to the front crossmember, presumably from the car having been jacked up, causing localised distortion.

The car’s South African history remains largely a mystery, as we’ve only got the registration document from there to go on. Things greatly improve once the car landed on our shores however...

The previously mentioned K&N Classic Cars changed the clutch in Sept 2022 alongside a host of other work, which included; replacing the engine core plugs, crankshaft damper, gearbox seals, hydraulic hoses and master cylinder, new points and condenser, brake bleeding and the fitting of that stunning stainless-steel exhaust. The invoice also humorously mentions ‘100 other little jobs!’ These are itemised, though there are far too many to go through here. It effectively seems to add up to a semi-mechanical refresh with a bill of £5593.31 the result. 

New carburettor floats, gaskets and washers, alongside various other sundries, were bought from David Manners Group in Sept 2021 – and presumably fitted. That previously mentioned hose and associated fittings were ordered from Martin Robey in August 2021, which explains why they’re still looking so fresh.

There’s a reason why a Jaguar MkII makes for such a popular classic choice. It’s a beautiful period saloon that’s arguably even better to drive than it is to behold. It’s usually best to avoid tired old clichés, but in this instance, this MkII really does have a suitable level of grace, space and pace. As this Jaguar has seemingly benefited from a lifetime spent in a hot, dry climate – with recent perishables replaced to ensure its driver-focus remains as engaging as it always was – it would seem to have the edge over the home-grown competition. We estimate that it will sell for £17,000-£22,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.