HISTORY OF THE JAGUAR MARK II
Introduced to the public in December of 1959, the Jaguar Mark II
Saloon was the culmination of lessons learned from the earlier Mark
I models. Development began in the summer of 1958, with Jaguar
focusing on improved heating and ventilation, enhanced outward
visibility via larger glass areas, and a more driver-oriented
interior layout.
Stylistic updates-many reportedly overseen personally by Sir
William Lyons-included a reshaped grille, revised rear styling, and
larger windows that dramatically reduced the traditional � blind
spots. Mechanically, the Mark II benefited from standard four-wheel
disc brakes, a major improvement over its predecessor, along with
optional features such as Burman power steering and a Borg-Warner
three-speed automatic transmission.
The additional comfort and safety features added weight, prompting
Jaguar to offer a range of more powerful engines. Production
spanned roughly ten years, beginning with the 3.4 Litre XK engine
and culminating in the famed 3.8 Litre variant, offered with either
8:1 or 9:1 compression depending on market. Output for the 3.8 was
rated at approximately 220 horsepower.
The Mark II quickly gained notoriety for combining strong
performance with four-door practicality, earning fame in motorsport
as well as among police forces and-less officially-criminals.
Competition success included victories at the Australian Touring
Car Championship, the Motor Six Hours International Saloon Car Race
(1962 and 1963), and the 1963 European Touring Car Challenge.
By 1967, the Mark II name was retired, with production continuing
through 1969 under the 240 and 340 designations. Today, the Mark II
is widely regarded as one of Jaguar's most celebrated sporting
saloons and among the last of the truly classic-era designs.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
The 1962 Jaguar Mark II 3.8 Litre Saloon offered here is finished
in Black over a Grey leather interior, accented by beautiful Burr
walnut trim throughout. While the car's earliest history is
undocumented, it has remained in the same ownership since 1987,
when it was acquired as a running and driving project just
southwest of St. Louis, Missouri.
The owner's late husband, a specialist in restoring European
automobiles, completed a comprehensive restoration over the course
of approximately 18 months. Period photographs included with the
car document the process, showing the vehicle stripped to bare
metal, with the front end and drivetrain removed, rebuilt, and
reinstalled prior to completion. Handwritten dates on the
photographs indicate the restoration was completed in early
1988.
Following completion, the Mark II was enjoyed extensively and shown
throughout the region. Accompanying trophies and awards document
1st Place finishes at Jaguar Club of America events in 1989 and
1990, along with Top Three class finishes at Regional All British
Car Shows in 1989 and 1991, and a second-in-class finish at the
1998 All British Car event. The car remained an active participant
in local events until 2014, when it was placed into storage.
In January 2023, after nearly a decade of inactivity, the Jaguar
was brought to IT'S ALIVE! for comprehensive recommissioning to
return it to proper driving condition. Over $17,000 USD was
invested addressing mechanical systems and select cosmetic concerns
under the care of our in-house specialists.
Fuel system service included rebuilding the twin SU carburetors,
replacement of the fuel sending unit, lines, and hoses, and
installation of a modern solid-state SU fuel pump. The braking
system was thoroughly refreshed with new Girling caliper pistons,
brake pads, stainless steel flex hoses, master cylinder, and
handbrake cables and hardware. Ignition components were renewed
throughout, and the cooling system was serviced with a new water
pump, hoses, and clamps. Additional work included replacement of
engine mounts, harmonic balancer, clutch master cylinder, power
steering hoses, and various bushings, seals, and gaskets. All
fluids were replaced, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid,
differential oil, automatic transmission fluid, and power steering
fluid.
A stainless steel exhaust system was fitted to improve both
durability and sound. Interior refurbishment was intentionally
limited, preserving originality while being enhanced by a fresh
OSJI carpet kit.
Upon completion in early summer 2023, the owner once again enjoyed
driving her Jaguar before consigning the vehicle to IT'S ALIVE! in
2024.
Today, this Mark II presents as a well-loved, well-sorted driver,
ideal for touring, events, and regular enjoyment. The paint shows
several imperfections consistent with a nearly 40-year-old finish,
and some topside stain etching is visible on close inspection,
largely diminishing with a fresh polish. The car rides on 72-spoke
chrome wire wheels fitted with Blackhawk Street H 205/70R15 tires
with 2020-2022 date codes.
Under the bonnet resides a correct-type 3.8 Litre DOHC inline-six,
upgraded to a 9:1 compression ratio, offering slightly improved
performance over the original 8:1 specification. While not
numbers-matching, the engine is appropriate for the model and era.
The interior wood retains a pleasing sheen, complemented by the
fresh carpeting and color-matched seatbelts. A period-correct
Stromberg-Carlson AM radio remains installed and functional. The
five-digit odometer displays approximately 14,000 miles, believed
to represent mileage accumulated since completion of the
restoration.
IT'S ALIVE! is pleased to offer this well-documented,
long-term-owned Jaguar Mark II to the value-minded enthusiast
seeking a classic sporting saloon that can be driven and enjoyed.
If you are the next caretaker of this iconic Jaguar, please contact
us at (314) 710-6600 ext. 140 or email
[email protected].
