Vehicle Description
In the mid-1950s, Jaguar was riding high on the wave created by the
highly advanced twin-cam inline six. The firm could bask in the
glory of the hugely successful XK sports cars and their offspring,
the world-beating C-Type and D-Type sports racers. Even their the
massive Mk VII and Mk IX luxury cars enjoyed surprising success in
British Saloon Car racing in the hands of Stirling Moss, Roy
Salvadori, and others. However, Jaguar was never one to rest on its
laurels, and they soon recognized an opportunity to appeal to an
even broader market with a smaller, compact luxury saloon that
shared a common bloodline with their highly successful 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 glorious XK twin-cam inline six. The
curvaceous body styling was influenced by the XK sports cars, and
despite the smaller size, it was luxuriously trimmed with wood,
leather, and wool. Immediately, racers saw its potential and hit
the track, soon racking up even more hardware for Jaguar's racing
department. Further refinements to the shape and mechanical spec
brought about the Mark II of 1959, which featured a more expansive
glasshouse with chrome trim, and a host of mechanical improvements
including the addition of the hot 3.8-liter engine to the option
sheet. Dunlop disc brakes shared with the XK150 and E-Type gave it
a massive advantage on the racetrack. The Mark II was an overnight
motorsport sensation, proving to be a formidable competitor in
rallying and saloon car racing through the early 1960s. Many
consider it to be the father of the modern sports sedan, with its
compact dimensions, powerful engine, handsome styling, and
race-proven performance. The Mk II and its later derivatives were
mainstays of the Jaguar line and sold well through the coming
decade. Variations of the Mk II lasted through 1968, when Jaguar
rationalized its saloon line up into one single car - the XJ6. As
brilliant as it was, the XJ6 didn't quite capture the same raw
appeal and performance of the Mk II, which remains an icon of 1960s
British motoring culture. Our featured Jaguar Mk II saloon stands
among the finest restored examples we have had the pleasure to
offer. This 1962 3.8-liter automatic saloon was treated to a
Concours-quality restoration in 2004 and has since been maintained
in top cosmetic and mechanical condition. It is a multiple
100-point award winner in JCNA Concours competition, a JCNA Grand
Champion, and it comes to us with well-documented ownership and
restoration history. According to the included Jaguar Daimler
Heritage Trust Certificate, this particular car was originally
finished in Carmen red over a black interior and is a genuine
left-drive model equipped with the 3.8-liter engine and Borg-Warner
automatic gearbox. It first belonged to Walter Leonard of Lee,
Massachusetts. Mr. Leonard may have been a serviceman, as he
collected the car from Jaguar's German distributor, Peter Linder of
Frankfurt am Main. Two additional owners are known, including W.R.
Judd who owned the car from the mid-1970s until 2002. Mac Holt
acquired it shortly thereafter and commissioned a comprehensive,
nut and bolt restoration to exacting standards. Mr. Holt changed
the color from the bright Carmen Red to a more understated and
elegant shade of Regency red, a factory-offered color which suits
the character of the Mk II quite well. While some time has passed
since the restoration, it remains in exceptional condition, with
the finishes matured lightly with time and care. The body fit is
outstanding, with precisely aligned doors and deck lids that shut
with the solidity of a contemporary Mercedes-Benz. The lovely
Regency Red paint is excellent, highlighted by superb chrome and
brightwork that shows only slight polish marks in the finish.
Chrome knock-off wire wheels with 6.40-15 Firestone wide-whites
complete the striking presentation. Connolly hides, wool carpets,
and burl wood trim exemplify the traditional British luxury
aesthetic. Respected specialists OSJI supplied the correct leather,
vinyl, carpet, and headlining to complete the restoration to
correct standards. The biscuit tan leather and carpets remain in
excellent condition, with only minor creasing noted on the driver's
seat. The wood dash and door caps are original to this car, and
they are attractive and glossy, although the lacquer top coat on
the dash has started to crack. Controls and switches are all
factory-correct, including the black two-spoke steering wheel.
Options include A/C, HMV Radiomobile AM/FM radio, and Intermediate
Speed Hold which holds the transmission in second gear when
activated. The boot features a correct Hardura mat and includes a
complete spare wheel-mounted tool kit, knock-off hammer, and jack.
It is of little surprise that the engine bay is as finely detailed
as the rest of this car. The beautifully presented 3.8-liter
twin-cam XK inline six is the original, numbers-matching unit. The
level of detail is befitting a JCNA Grand Champion, with
high-quality paint finishes, correct Coopers air cleaner, polished
cam covers, and proper fittings featuring throughout the engine
compartment. A subtly integrated electric fan is a welcome
addition. The engine mates with a Borg Warner automatic gearbox as
original, and a period-correct compressor feeds the trunk-mounted
A/C unit. Undercarriage finishing is equally outstanding, with the
car presented in clean, tidy order with only light signs of use.
The extensive history file includes restoration photos, JCNA
Judging sheets, the Heritage Certificate, historical information
and a literal trunk-load of trophies. An original owner's manual
with service vouchers is also included, along with the tools, jack,
and hammer. Wonderfully matured and ready for enjoyment on the road
or show field, this exceptional Jaguar MK II is a stunning example
of the granddaddy of all sports saloons. It is the ideal choice for
a Jaguar collector seeking a usable, yet show-quality saloon for
use in all manner of events. For additional details please view
this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6404-1962-jaguar-mark-ii-3-8-saloon/