Vehicle Description
From its earliest days as S.S. Cars, luxurious and sporty saloon
cars have sustained Jaguar through its highs and lows. In the
mid-1950s, Jaguar was savoring the accomplishments of the XK sports
cars and world-beating C-Type and D-Type sports racers. They even
enjoyed surprising success with the massive MkVII and MkIX in
British Saloon Car racing in the hands of Sir Stirling Moss, Roy
Salvadori, and others. But Jaguar saw an opportunity to appeal to a
broader market with a smaller, more compact luxury saloon that
shared a common bloodline with their sports cars. The new mid-sized
sedan debuted in 1955, built on Jaguar's first-ever road-going
monocoque chassis and powered by 2.4 or 3.4-liter versions of the
XK twin-cam inline six. The curvaceous body styling was influenced
by the XK sports cars, and the cabin was trimmed with vast swaths
of leather and wood. Further refinements to the shape and
mechanical spec brought the Mark 2 of 1959, which featured a more
expansive glasshouse and a host of mechanical improvements
including the addition of the hot 3.8-liter engine shared with the
XK150 and the E-Type. The Mark 2 was an overnight motorsport
sensation, proving to be a formidable competitor in rallying and
circuit racing. The Mark 2 is considered by many to be the father
of the modern sports sedan, and one blast in the gutsy 3.8 makes it
very easy to see why. The Mark 2 and its derivatives would remain a
cornerstone of Jaguar sales until 1969 when the XJ6 consolidated
all of Jaguar's four-door models into one single line. This
outstanding Mark 2 3.8 Saloon is a lifelong black-plate California
car that has had only three owners over its 55-year life. Equipped
from new with the 3.8-liter engine, four-speed manual gearbox, and
factory overdrive, it includes the original dealer invoice and
extensive records of its restoration and maintenance.� According to
the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, it was originally
delivered via British Cars of Burlingame to Dr. Robert J. Sells of
Hillsborough, California. The original invoice shows Dr. Sells
traded his 1955 Buick for a $200 credit on the $4,177 Jaguar. For
the next 25 years, Dr. Sells cherished his Mark 2, driving it all
across Northern California and keeping it in excellent working
order. On November 18, 1989, he sold his beloved Jaguar to Mr.� &
Mrs. John Splittorf of Gilroy, California. In the hands of the
Splittorfs, the Jaguar was treated to a comprehensive, two-year
restoration with the goal of creating a high-level concours
competitor. During the process, the color was changed from Golden
Sand to Old English White, and the interior trimmed in Biscuit
leather. An extensive history file includes photographs that
document the restoration and reveal the car to be incredibly solid
and clean when the project commenced. Photos also show the original
engine and overdrive were rebuilt, and in the process, the odometer
was zeroed. With meticulous preparation, the Mark 2 was shown in
November 1991 at the JCNA Concours in Tucson, Arizona, where it
scored an incredible 99.67 points in a highly competitive field. It
would be counted among the best Jaguar saloons in America with its
stunning and authentic presentation. Inside the accompanying file
are numerous receipts as well as a large stack of California
registration slips from Mr. Splittorf's time with the Mark 2. He
and his wife enjoyed the Jaguar for 27 years, accruing most of the
car's current 14,600 miles along the way. The car's most recent
owner, also from California, completed two entries in the Going to
the Sun Rally across Montana. He specifically chose the Mark 2 for
its performance as well as its practicality, which allowed his wife
and son to accompany him on the adventure. Today, the presentation
is excellent and reflective of the award-winning restoration. In
the time since it was completed, the paint has remained glossy and
attractive, with the finish now showing a few minor touch-ups and
slight paint shrinking in select areas. The body remains
beautifully straight and the doors open and shut with satisfying
precision. Likewise, the chrome shows some light hazing and polish
marks in places, yet remain consistent and in fine overall
condition. The car sits beautifully on its chrome knock-off wire
wheels shod with whitewall radial tires. The interior is
outstanding, with biscuit leather seats, matching door cards and
correct-type wool carpet. It remains remarkably well-preserved
since its time as a show car, with supple leather showing only the
slightest creasing from use. Instruments and switchgear are
excellent, set in a satin-finish wood dash that, along with the
rest of the wood trim, has mellowed nicely since its restoration.
Color-keyed seatbelts are carefully integrated, and a very rare and
desirable three-spoke Derrington steering wheel adds a sporting
touch. The boot is trimmed with correct materials and includes the
original jack and toolkit, which fits neatly inside the spare
wheel. The sale will also include the original owner's books and
factory parts and service manuals. Jaguar's iconic XK inline six is
beautifully presented under the bonnet. Correct finishes, hardware,
and fasteners remain in very good order, showing only some slight
wear from recent road use. The block and head numbers match and
correspond with the firewall tag and Heritage Certificate. At the
time of restoration, the engine was mated with a very desirable
all-synchro four-speed gearbox from a 4.2 liter-equipped car, which
is mated with the original and functional overdrive unit to create
the ultimate Jaguar driving experience. The high-quality
restoration still shines through on this wonderful Mark 2. It has
been expertly maintained by its passionate owners and has proven
its worth both on the concours field and on-road events. It is
equipped from new in the most desirable specification and is ready
for its next long-term owner to enjoy the distinct pleasure of
driving a properly sorted Mark 2 - with its unique combination of
vintage appeal, luxurious accommodations, and outstanding
performance.