Vehicle Description
Jaguar has a long tradition of building luxurious saloon cars. From
the days of S.S. Cars through today, Jaguar's luxurious yet
sporting saloons have sustained the company. In the mid-1950s,
Jaguar was riding high with the success of the XK road cars and
world-beating C-Type sports racer. The big MkVII and MkIX were
surprisingly successful in British Saloon Car racing at the hands
of Sir Stirling Moss and others, but these were huge cars and
Jaguar wanted to appeal to a broader audience. In a move to boost
sales and help their chances on track, Jaguar introduced the
mid-size 2.4 and 3.4 saloons. The new mid-sized car debuted in
1955, built on Jaguar's first fully monocoque chassis. The
curvaceous body was heavily influenced by the XK sports cars as was
the same twin-cam engine which was mated to a choice of manual or
automatic transmissions. Further refinements to the shape and
mechanical spec brought the MkII of 1959 which featured a larger
greenhouse, and a myriad of mechanical improvements including the
addition of the hot 3.8 liter engine from the E-Type, which,
according to legend was the choice motor for getaway drivers and
the police alike. The MkII and its derivatives (such as the fully
independent 3.8 S-Type) remained in production until 1969 when the
XJ6 was ushered in to consolidate all of Jaguar's saloon models
into one line. In 1999, Ford Motor Company had formed the new
Premier Automotive Group in order to capture higher end buyers and
expand their global market reach. The new group included Aston
Martin, Volvo, Jaguar and from 2000, Land Rover. Particularly in
the case of Aston and Jaguar, Ford executives pumped millions in
resources into the two struggling firms and in the process managed
to successfully turn around their fortunes. Cars such as the XK8
and the DB7 were born of Ford's management. Of course, there were
critics who lamented the shared platforms and some parts-bin
engineering, but all told, it was Ford's influence that saved these
two iconic British companies. Presumably to celebrate his new
acquisitions, Ford CEO Jacques Nasser sought the finest examples
each of a Jaguar XK150, MkII and Series III E-type for his
collection. In his quest, he purchased this stunning 1964 MkII
saloon, in 3.4 liter, right-hand drive, manual gearbox
specification. The car, #167128, has a very well-known history back
to new when it was purchased in the UK by Worth Engineering
managing director George Nelson Trotter Pattison. Mr. Pattison used
the MkII as his company car for several years, and photos exist
showing the car in period at Mr. Pattison's home. It then passed to
David Collier of Surrey in 1967, who enjoyed the car thoroughly for
several more years. When purchased by Mr. Nasser some 30 years
later, the MkII had already been comprehensively restored by
Southern Classics in England. The car was subsequently sorted and
prepped for concours duty by Jack Roush Engineering, the famous
race shop with deep ties to Ford Motor Company. Roush freshened the
car with subtly updated suspension, rebuilt the transmission and
overdrive, rebuilt and tuned the carburetors and discreetly added a
power rack and pinion steering setup from a later XJ. No expense
was spared, and even at a discounted shop rate (Nasser was the CEO,
after all) nearly $90,000 was spent ensuring the car was both road
and concours ready. Today, the MkII remains in beautiful condition,
looking resplendent in its original colors of Opalescent Golden
Sand over red hides. It retains original tools, V5 registration
documentation, and an extensive history file. The quality of the
restoration is outstanding and it has held up very well, remaining
crisp and straight, with concours quality paintwork and fully
restored chrome. Along with the power steering, the car was also
updated to ride on chrome knock-off wire wheels, shod with
blackwall radial tires. It is a beautifully detailed example and
the color and quality are simply beautiful. This MkII certainly
makes a dramatic statement. The interior of the MkII is the epitome
of mid-century British luxury. Leather, walnut and wool carpets
dominate the cabin. The red Connolly hides remain in excellent
condition, showing very little wear despite the years since the
restoration was completed. Red Wilton carpets are excellent as is
the correct broadcloth headlining. The extensive wood work has all
been beautifully restored, adorning the dash, door caps, and rear
picnic trays. Chrome fittings and switchgear have all been restored
to the same high level, as have the instruments and period correct
radio. The cabin of this MkII is lovely, inviting and a great place
to spend an afternoon of motoring. Speaking of motoring, the 3.4
liter XK inline six is strong running and well sorted. While it
gives up a few cubic centimeters of displacement over its larger
sibling, this engine is no doubt a powerful, sweet and revvy unit
that rewards with a beautiful soundtrack - particularly breathing
through this car's stainless steel exhaust. The manual transmission
is the most highly sought after by enthusiasts, and this example's
original overdrive unit allows for effortless cruising once the
road straightens out. The XK unit is also one of the best looking
engines of all time. Lifting the hood reveals lots of beautifully
polished alloy on the cam covers, intake manifolds and S.U.
carburetor bodies. The engine and head are finished in the correct
colors, and the rest of the engine bay is detailed with proper
decals, labels and fittings. Presentation is excellent,
demonstrating the level of care this special car has received since
its restoration. Jaguar is often credited with inventing and
perfecting the "sports saloon" concept with its MkI and MkII
derivatives, and just a few minutes behind the wheel of this
marvelous MkII is enough to see why. This car's exceptional
no-expense-spared maintenance history is felt from the first turn
of the wheel. It is a fine example with excellent presentation and
an outstanding history that includes ownership by the boss of
Jaguar cars. It is ready to be fully enjoyed and will undoubtedly
reward with plenty of entertaining miles.
