Vehicle Description
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https://www.flickr.com/gp/149927902@N02/A9Ky9D
3 California owners since new - long-time single ownership, 43+
years
Large collection of receipts and documentation
Multiple-time car show winner
Original specification Honey Beige exterior, black Connolly leather
interior
3.4-liter inline six engine, 4-speed manual transmission, optioned
power steering
The final year of Jaguar's Mark 2 production
Includes original owner's manual, Jaguar maintenance poster,
service/parts receipts
Jaguar's luxury automobiles in the late 50s and 60s offered owners
and drivers an affluent entry into the posh luxury market, and the
340s (previously called Mark IIs) were just that. Expanding upon
the Mark I, these sedans were offered with a number of appointments
that ranged from comfortable interiors, a variety of colors, and
expanded powertrain choices, all while maintaining the essence of
Jaguar. With their popularity rising due to the popular British TV
series Inspector Morse, the Jaguar Mark II/340s were successful for
the British automaker. Interestingly, they were highly popular
amongst bank robbers, with their substantial horsepower, ample
space for occupants, and superior handling characteristics. Widely
regarded as the world's first "sport sedan," with advanced features
such as 4-wheel disc brakes, a limited slip differential, a
four-speed gearbox, and a tachometer. Over time the shape and
timeless design of the Mark II/340 has appreciated more and more,
with increased interest among collectors over the past decade.
This Jaguar 340 was reportedly first sold by Charles Hornberg
Jaguar of West Hollywood, California to Dennis Mawer, painted in
Honey Beige with factory copper-accented wheels. He went on to own
the car for approximately 7 years before the Jaguar found its way
to its new owners, Ad and Marsha Hirsch.
In 1974 Ad was looking for a new car for his wife, Marsha.
Originally, they thought about purchasing a Rolls Royce, although
after a few days and a number of sticker shocks later they decided
that they weren't Rolls Royce people. One day while shopping they
drove past a Ralph's Market on Devonshire boulevard in Los Angeles
and saw the Honey Beige Jaguar sitting in the parking lot with a
"for sale" sign in the window. They called Dennis Mawer and asked
if they could drive the car. Marsha drove the Jaguar and loved it,
and shortly afterwards the couple reportedly purchased the car for
$3,250.
Being an executive for an international company at the time, Marsha
drove the Jaguar daily to and from work. The Jaguar was the family
car, taking kids to school, going on road trips, and overall
enjoyed exactly for what it was built for. Ad even recalled that he
pretended to be a chauffeur for one of his nephews on his prom
night, using the Jaguar as their limo for the evening. During their
ownership the Jaguar was taken care of with the utmost attention to
detail since they felt that "Sweet Pea" was truly part of the
family, and was maintained by Yorks and Lancs Automotive.
In 1986 Ad was involved with the movie industry with his company,
and after 12 years of daily use the couple decided to restore the
car completely to concours-level quality. Wanting the car to be
perfect, the Jaguar was sent to Ron's Custom in Van Nuys,
California where it was fully restored. The entire car was stripped
and the original sheet metal was repainted in its original Honey
Beige color, and the interior reupholstered in black Connolly
leather by Hilborn Motor Car Interiors. Ad and Marsha fully
intended to still drive the car but wanted to take the 340 to
shows, believing that "Sweet Pea" deserved to look the best that
she could be. After being restored, Ad and Marsha brought their
pride and joy to the Ventura Jaguar club and reportedly won first
in class on its very first entry. The spare tire is original as is
the tool kit in the trunk. During their 43-year ownership the
couple took the Jaguar to countless events, driving to and from and
taking home a number of awards over time.
During their ownership, they recalled that they never had issues
with the engine or transmission. Never needing oil or rebuilding,
both were reliable and thought to be that way because they were
used and cared for regularly by the couple. A large collection of
parts receipts and service documents that accompany the car help
illustrate the care that went into this particular Jaguar as it was
very much a part of their family. In the last 4 years of ownership,
Ad and Marsha decided to stop driving the car in everyday
situations and reserve the car just for shows, only because Ad was
finding it more difficult to prepare the car being 84 years old.
Around 2017 the couple finally decided that it was time for someone
new to enjoy the Jaguar just as they did, and found a new owner in
the Los Angeles area. This recent owner kept the car for
approximately three years, driving it sparingly before it arrived
at Canepa.
Cars have been an extremely important part of many American's lives
in the past century, often transcending their original purpose of
being transportation while becoming something more. In this case
for Ad and Marsha, the Jaguar "Sweet Pea" is the perfect example of
a car being loved beyond compare, taken care of exceptionally well
and enjoyed for decades. Moving from being a regularly-driven car
each day to being fully restored to be perfect to drive to shows,
few cars have seen the same type of care and commitment that this
Jaguar has. Once part of a family, this Jaguar is ready to join its
next caretakers and continue its history with someone new.
