Vehicle Description
From the mid-1950s onward, Jaguar enjoyed considerable success
thanks in large part to its highly advanced "XK" family of twin-cam
inline six-cylinder engines. This engine is best known for its
tenure in the XK120, 140, and 150 sports cars, and in race trim, it
powered the C-Type and D-Type sports cars to an impressive six
victories in the 24h of Le Mans. While it will always be known for
its sporting ability, the XK was quite versatile, and its power and
refinement made the big Mk VII and Mk IX luxury saloons some of the
best of the best of their class - while also capable of mopping up
the competition in British Saloon Car racing with the likes of
Stirling Moss and Roy Salvadori at the wheel. The success of the
large saloon cars allowed Jaguar to capitalize on its reputation
with a new, smaller saloon that would appeal to a broader market.
The new mid-sized four-door debuted in 1955, equipped with 2.4 or
3.4-liter versions of the twin-cam inline-six. The new car featured
Jaguar's first-ever road-going monocoque chassis, with independent
front suspension and a solid-rear axle shared with the XK sports
car. It was clothed in curvaceous sheet metal that showed a family
resemblance to its sporting brethren but was altogether unique in
its form. Despite its smaller size and lower price point, it was
still very much a Jaguar and therefore featured beautiful Connolly
leather, wool rugs, and luxurious wood trimmings. In 1959, Jaguar
updated the previous 2.4/3.4 and renamed it "Mark II." The styling
was freshened up with a larger greenhouse, and more delicate,
chrome-trimmed window frames. However, the big news was the
addition of the new 3.8-liter engine shared with the XK150,
slightly detuned in twin-carburetor spec, but still highly
effective in propelling the mid-sized four-door along with vigor. A
large number of US-spec cars came with the Borg-Warner automatic
transmission, but the pick of the enthusiast was the four-speed
manual with Laycock de Normanville electric overdrive. Particularly
when fitted with the 3.8 l engine and 4-speed manual 'box, the
luxurious MkII is a formidable performance machine that could
easily show proper sports cars a clean set of heels. This lovely
1960 MkII is beautifully restored and equipped from the factory in
the most desirable specification of a 3.8-liter engine with the
4-speed manual gearbox and Laycock overdrive. The high-quality
restoration was performed over seven years by marque specialists in
the UK, before returning to the USA in 2015 with its most recent
owner. It features numerous upgrades and has been extremely
well-maintained in top running condition. Finished in British
Racing Green, the body is crisp and well detailed, with excellent
paint and consistent gaps and panel alignment. It also features
Coombs-style wheel spats, developed by racers to allow for a
meatier rear tire to fit under the arches, giving this car a squat,
purposeful stance on its beautiful chrome knock-off wire wheels and
grippy 205-section radial tires. The brightwork is a blend of
restored and well-preserved original items. Some of the minor trim
parts, such as the door handles, and Jaguar "leaper" mascot show
some slight pitting in the surface, while the bumpers, window
frames, and moldings are excellent. The car has been dialed-in for
performance driving in all conditions and features powerful H4
flat-lens headlamps and Cibie Iode 40 fog lamps. The light velvet
green leather provides an attractive complement to the exterior
paint scheme. The seats are in good condition overall, noting only
some slight fading and a minor flaw in the passenger seat piping.
Green carpets and West of England broadcloth headlining are
excellent, as are the matching green door panels. Burl walnut trim
on the dash and door cards is glossy and attractive, although some
slight cracking appears in the lacquer, particularly along the dash
top. This car also features air conditioning, with vents and
controls neatly integrated into the center console, along with a
modern AM/FM/CD player. The interior presentation is capped off
with a handsome, period-correct Derrington three-spoke steering
wheel. Receipts show this car received a complete engine overhaul
and mechanical refurbishment in 2017. The engine block is a correct
replacement 3.8-liter, topped with the original numbers-matching
cylinder head. As part of the 2017 rebuild, it was bored over 0.040
inches and treated to a set of new Mahle 9:1 compression pistons,
all new bearings, valves, gaskets, and a reground crankshaft. The
block was also converted to a replaceable lip-style rear main seal,
replacing the troublesome and leak-prone Archimedes rope seal.
Other niceties include a lightweight aluminum flywheel, heavy-duty
diaphragm-type clutch kit, high-torque starter, electronic ignition
conversion, and a full stainless-steel exhaust system. Air
conditioning and power steering work beautifully, and ensure this
MkII is easy to drive and comfortable at all speeds. There is
evidence of prior use on the undercarriage, but it is tidy and well
detailed with quality finishes on the suspension components,
Cunifer alloy brake lines, and body-color chip-guard for protection
against rocks and weathering. The more you look at this outstanding
MKII, the more impressive the details become. Sensible,
well-integrated upgrades ensure this car is user-friendly, while
also delivering genuinely exciting performance. The restoration has
mellowed gracefully, and the car feels on the button and ready to
enjoy to the fullest. This highly-desirable Jaguar lives up to its
title as the granddaddy of the modern sports saloon and is the
perfect companion for fast-road driving in sophisticated style.
Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details please
view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6571-1960-jaguar-mkii-3-8-saloon/