For Sale: 1965 Jaguar Mark I in St. Louis, Missouri

A significant step forward from the Mark 1, the Jaguar Mark 2 Saloon was introduced in 1959 after Jaguar had carefully listened to its customers and refined its successful sports sedan formula. With its elegant styling, luxurious accommodations, impressive performance, and exceptional road manners, the Mark 2 looked every bit the equal of far more expensive English automobiles while remaining practical enough for everyday use. It was the embodiment of Sir William Lyons' famous Jaguar philosophy of "Grace, Pace, and Space." Its combination of performance and discretion also earned the Mark 2 a less glamorous reputation as the "Gentleman's Express," gaining notoriety as a favored getaway car among Britain's bank robbers.

Beneath its beautiful exterior, the Mark 2 incorporated some of Jaguar's most advanced engineering. Four-wheel disc brakes were standard, complementing the company's proven independent double-wishbone front suspension with coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, and an anti-roll bar. The front suspension was mounted to a separate subframe, helping isolate the cabin from road imperfections while contributing to the Mark 2's impressive ride quality. Its unibody construction provided excellent rigidity and allowed Jaguar to maximize passenger space, while the sophisticated suspension and low-slung proportions gave the Mark 2 remarkable grip and handling for a luxury saloon.

Three engines were offered during Mark 2 production: 2.4-liter, 3.4-liter, and the range-topping 3.8-liter DOHC inline-six. The 3.8-liter shared its basic architecture with the celebrated E-Type, including the same block, crankshaft, connecting rods, and pistons, while utilizing a different inlet manifold and dual SU carburetion rather than the E-Type's triple-carburetor arrangement. The 3.8-liter remained available through the end of Mark 2 production in 1967, after which the model was replaced by the 240 and 340.

We are very proud to offer this exceptional 1965 Jaguar Mark 2 Saloon, which benefited from a complete, professional nut-and-bolt restoration performed by Lex Classics in the Netherlands. Finished in spectacular Gun Metal Gray over an exquisite Cognac Leather interior, this Mark 2 presents in remarkable condition and has been restored with an impressive level of attention to detail. Accompanying the car is a comprehensive photo album documenting the restoration and illustrating just how extensively this beautiful Jaguar was returned to its former glory.

Power comes from its numbers-matching DOHC 3.8-liter inline-six, equipped with dual exhaust and producing approximately 220 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered through a Borg Warner automatic transmission with overdrive and a limited-slip rear axle. This particularly well-equipped Mark 2 also benefits from power steering and upgraded 15-inch chrome wire wheels, adding both convenience and visual appeal.

The restoration encompassed virtually every major component of the automobile. The original engine was completely renewed with fresh internal components following a thorough cleaning, while the carburetors were rebuilt and new oil seals and gaskets were installed throughout. The braking system received all-new components and lines, and the rear axle internals were rebuilt. The original generator was replaced with an alternator conversion for improved modern reliability.

The body was stripped to bare metal before receiving its spectacular Gun Metal Gray finish. Inside, the cabin was completely reupholstered in beautiful Cognac Leather, while the wood trim was refinished and new weather stripping installed throughout. Chrome moldings, door handles, and bumpers were either professionally re-plated or replaced. New rubber mounts and suspension components were fitted, while new headlamps and taillights further refreshed the exterior presentation. The entire exhaust system was replaced with a stainless-steel system.

A number of thoughtful mechanical improvements were incorporated while retaining the character and appearance of the original Jaguar design. These include modern air-conditioning components, an upgraded radiator utilizing an Evans waterless cooling system, Koni Classic shock absorbers, an electric cooling fan, a new rear sway bar, and an auxiliary oil cooler. With those tasteful enhancements aside, the car was otherwise restored to original Jaguar specifications, with nothing left untouched throughout the process.

The result is a truly outstanding example of one of Jaguar's most celebrated sporting saloons. Combining the elegance of its classic British styling with the performance of the legendary 3.8-liter XK engine and the benefits of a comprehensive professional restoration, this 1965 Mark 2 offers tremendous appeal to both the experienced Jaguar enthusiast and the beginning collector. With its stunning presentation, impressive mechanical specification, extensive restoration documentation, and thoughtful upgrades, this is a Mark 2 that deserves to be seen and appreciated in person.