1965 Jaguar MK2 3.8

This fine example ticks all the MKII boxes. A decoding of the engine bay data plate confirms it as an original 3.8L model according to the “LE” engine number prefix. The “BW” chassis number suffix and the presence of an Automatic Transmission number suggests the car left Browns Lane with a Borg and Warner self-shifter in situ. At some point, however, the car has benefited from conversion to a manual box with switchable overdrive. The full getaway configuration.

Judging by the copious paperwork on hand, a restoration was undertaken in 2011 with many new parts sourced and fitted. Some Coombs of Guilford style modifications were also added at this stage. These include the cutaway and subtly flared rear arches and the 28 bonnet louvres. This also suggests that the MKII’s Carmine Red paintwork was professionally reapplied at this stage.

Not too much is known about the early years of the MKII, but we can see that a life of incredibly light use and low mileage defines its recent history. In fact, the MoT history confirms that around a mere 300 miles or so has been covered since its restoration in 2011. Today the MKII is being offered for sale by a specialist Classic Car dealer and ready to use and enjoy by its next lucky keeper.

To the uninitiated there was little to externally distinguish the MKII from the MKI but comparing them side by side 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.

Our example presents very well indeed in bright looking Carmine Red and exhibiting all the key MKII attributes. The paintwork exudes a great lustre and appears to be in an excellent overall condition. The brightwork, of which there is plenty, also shines brightly and was subject to a re-chroming at the earlier restoration.

The front end of the MKII is particularly eye-catching. The big, twin headlamps are fitted with chromed, mesh stone guards and chromed eyebrows. The twin driving lights are fitted close to the elliptical, slatted radiator grill. This is fronted with a badge bar fitted with three period enamel badges. The front wings are fitted with chromed bullet wing mirrors and the bonnet is enhanced with the Coombs style louvres.

The MKII sits on cross-spoked, chromed wire wheels. These are affixed with deeply chromed, Jaguar-inscribed twin-eared central spinners. These are shod with recent looking radial style classic tyres. The Coombs style rear arches endow the car with an even more sporting demeanour than the already purposeful looking standard MKII.

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.

The carpets are edge bound in leather and appear to have been replaced at the 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 prowess in terms of cabin fit, finish and design. It certainly emphasises the company’s sporting heritage and would have given its contemporary competitors something to worry about. The big, white on black Smiths gauges are arranged into two separate clusters. The speedometer and tachometer sit directly ahead of the driver. To the right of these is the overdrive switch which acts on third and fourth gears as required. In the centre panel four, smaller auxiliary gauges and six toggle switches are located. A three spoke, alloy wood rimmed Mota-Lita steering wheel is fitted.

The generous boot is finished with an edge-bound, red carpet to protect the body-coloured painted floor. The A-frame Jaguar jack is mounted to the bulkhead and a full sized wire spare wheel is housed under the floor. The original Jaguar tool kit is fitted to the centre of the spare wheel and appears to be complete, and period correct.

The mechanical specification of this MKII is definitely a sweet-spot and the one most sought after by those in the know. Fitted with a DOHC 3.8L straight six-cylinder XK engine with a "B type" cylinder head and breathing through two SU HD6 carburettors, it produced 220bhp in original trim. In our car this is mated to a manual gearbox with switch activated overdrive which feeds power to the rear wheels. 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 of the car’s stopping prowess. At its launch the MKII 3.8 was reported to have a 125mph top speed and a 0-60mph time of 8.5 seconds. None too shabby for 1959. What’s more, when well maintained, these cars are capable of significant mileages. Following the exploits of numerous criminal users, a number of police forces adopted the MKII for motorway pursuit purposes. At least two examples were known to have racked up over 250,000 miles without issue.

It is clear that plenty of mechanical work was undertaken at the MKII’s earlier restoration. This includes a reconditioned power assisted steering box, new shock absorbers and springs and a replacement radiator. The all-round disc brakes are also reported to have been uprated.

The under-bonnet presentation of our example is very clean and original looking. The alloy portions of the hardware are well polished, and the data plates appear present and correct. The underside of the car looks straight and clean and plenty of preservative underseal seems to be present. A couple of small holes were noted in the rear pipes of the exhaust system.

Please note that the car will be sold registered as TRS 734, instead of the original age-related KPJ193C registration that is present in the photographs.

There’s plenty of useful and informative paperwork included with the MKII. The current V5 registration document for TRS 734 is present. This categorises the car as a Historic Vehicle and, as such, VED and MoT exempt in the UK. Despite this, a current and advisory free MoT is present in hard copy. This is valid until June 2024.

The remainder of the archive consists of invoices detailing parts sourced and work undertaken. A period Jaguar workshop manual and instructions for the Harry Moss "Quadphonic Car Stereo Tape Player."

It is not hard to see why those in a hurry on both sides of the law were fans of the MKII Jaguar. At a time when most of its peers were making do with a maximum of around 130bhp, the 3.8L MKII bought a full 220bhp to the table. Stories of derring-do from the past and subsequent, blatant use by a beloved TV detective, have helped cement the MKII’s place in the consciousness of a nation. As such, well cared for and presented examples have become increasingly sought after.

This example is a fine exemplar of the breed. It has the best specification, being a 3.8L manual with overdrive, and having been previously thoughtfully restored and upgraded. The condition is very good overall, and the car is an almost guaranteed head turner and conversation starter. Bid today to avoid missing out on this full getaway specification MKII Jaguar. We estimate that it will sell for between £26,000 - £30,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment 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, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.