2024-07-15 16:15:13 | pauls writes:

Car at auction 7/24

carsonline.bonhams.com/en/listings/jaguar/mk2-38-mod/15cae305-2197-4127-a6db-85e ...

Auction description:

205762DN

27242 miles

3781 cc

manual

British Racing Green

Beige

Right-hand drive

Vehicle location Bonhams|Cars Online HQ, United Kingdom

Chrome wire wheels, matching numbers and Jaguar Heritage certificate.

Finished in the timeless combination of British Racing Green with a parchment leather interior and chrome wire wheels, this lovely Mk2 was registered new on the 26th February 1962. It has matching numbers as detailed on the Jaguar Heritage certificate in the extensive history file with the car. 

It’s also had a recent oil and filter change, a brake and clutch fluid change, new cam cover gaskets, new front and rear brake hoses, all cooling hoses replaced, new rear springs and shock absorbers, new brake master cylinder, new water pump and new horns. 

The car has been sensitively updated to make it more useable in the 21st century, with power steering, overdrive and modified road cams by The Forward Engineering Co Ltd, and 2in SU carburettors. A stainless-steel exhaust system compliments this performance upgrade. 

Exterior

This car’s paintwork is in beautiful condition and shines with a deep lustre. All the bright work is equally well presented, and the chrome wire wheels are immaculate. The design really has stood the test of time, and it’s one that manages to look as though it’s moving with great pace while standing perfectly still.

The discrete Disc Brakes badge on the rear bumper was quite likely the last thing Morris Minor owners read before they rear-ended a Mk2 Jag – few cars had stopping power like this back in 1962.

Thankfully most cars have caught up now, so the Jag’s gorgeous bodywork will hopefully remain as straight and true as it presents today. It’s a fine-looking example.

Interior

There are so many gorgeous design touches in here it’s hard to know where to start, and the interior is in is lovely condition – the seat leather still supple.

There are the beautifully executed round interior lights set into the corners of the roof’, complimented by the gracefully curving line of the highly polished walnut trim that describes the curve of the rear window.

The dashboard wood is in lovely condition, the steering wheel rim worn from enjoyment, and the seats tell their story. All in all the interior is in great shape – not over restored and soulless like some, but retaining a patina that keeps the history of the car intact. 

The word Overdrive is mounted in its own museum style display case on the top of the steering column, accompanied by a little red light that illuminates when it’s engaged.

Then there’s the large knurled knob behind the E Type wood-rim steering wheel that allows you to adjust its reach – how many cars had that in 1962?

The aeroplane-inspired row of toggle switches sit on the dash centre panel, below the oil pressure, coolant temperature, fuel and voltage gauge – and in the middle a large rotary switch controls the lights

There are neat picnic trays set into the front seat backs, and J monikers on the pedal rubbers (that would sadly morph into BL logos by the time the XJ6 went on sale).

Look at the gorgeous Art Deco inspired mechanisms that open the rear quarterlights – all that design on something that just cracks a window open for you.

The owner tells us the clock on the dash board doesn't work, but says this is almost always the case with Mk2 Jags. However, he points out that as far as he knows, everything else works as it should.

Mechanical

This Mk2 is top of the spec tree, with the most powerful 3.8-litre engine, and a manual gearbox with electrically operated overdrive. The enthusiast owner tells us:

“It’s been fitted with a Number 7 cam and 2in SU carbs by Forward Engineering, who were a renowned Jaguar tuner back in the day. I don't know what the number 7 cam means in performance terms, but it appears mild enough, there is no lumpy running issue or anything like that. 

It has sports air filters to suit those carbs, which of course then allows the full beauty of those twin cam covers to be seen. It has been professionally fitted with hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion steering, and has a stainless steel exhaust system and a complete Jaguar tool kit.”

History Highlights

This Mk2 was registered new on 26th February 1962 by Henlys Ltd of London, to its first owner, Mr A Martyr. He kept the car until May 1978. The car had a further four owners until it was bought by the current owner on 1st February 2010.

It has matching numbers as detailed on the Jaguar Heritage Certificate in the extensive history file with the car.

It’s had the rear axle Panhard bushes replaced, a front geometry reset and new headlight lenses.

During the previous owner's custody, it has had new rear springs, rear shock absorbers, new master and slave cylinders, new water pump, new horns and much more additional work to keep the car maintained to a top standard. The owner says:

“This was my second Mk2, which I bought because it was a genuine UK car, numbers matching and in very good condition. I am only selling because a rare, long desired 1934 Alvis came on to the market at a price I can afford. Unfortunately, I cannot garage both of them, so the Jag has to go.

I’ve actually not used it a lot, just for local car shows, JEC events etc. The underbody is very good and well protected. The body has a few minor scratches and other areas that will need addressing if you’re trying for perfection, but most people won’t even notice them.”