2008-04-17 07:35:18 | pauls writes:

Ebay item 4/17/08
restoration.It had 45,678 miles on the odometer.

DOCUMENTED WORK DONE FOR THE DOCTOR:
The mechanical restoration was done by Jaguar Denver. There is an extensive photo album of the restoration. With all of all the doors, chrome, glass and body rubber off it was media blasted to bare metal. It was undercoated from new, and the frame and body was rust free except for perforations in the door bottoms due to plugged drain holes. Repairs were made and a first class base-coat, clear-coat repaint was done in the original Old English White. Inside door panels were then treated with Waxoyl to prevent future rust. A 47-piece set of new rubber for the body, trunk, door seals, bumpers, lights, glass and wheel arch seals was installed. Side window wipe rubbers and felt window channels were installed.

Except for the chrome window frames, which are perfect, all chrome was re-plated or replaced with new parts. The glass is all original and is perfect except for a very small star chip in the windshield, which is easily repaired.

The SU Fuel pump was rebuilt with new parts. New engine mounts were installed, new front and rear wheel bearing kits were installed. Brand-new 72 spoke Dunlop chrome wire wheels, with new splined hubs and knock-off hub-nuts were fitted. The porcelain exhaust header was replaced and a new stainless steel exhaust system was installed. Front rubber suspension mounts were replaced. The rear brake caliper and pads were replaced

DOCUMENTED WORK DONE FOR JACKSON BROOKS:
Mr. Brooks has always given priority to the car’s performance and handling, but also demands a high standard of cosmetic details. The car and engine were totally original and it ran very well. Compression was standard on all cylinders. Oil pressure was 40 pounds and it idled with 20 pounds pressure, with engine hot. The oil pan was removed and main and rod bearings examined, and were found to be in excellent condition. The oil filter fitting on the block was changed to use a modern spin-on canister so the oil and filter can be changed at any quick-lube service.

Mr. Brooks had the head rebuilt. It was straightened and resurfaced. New cam bushings, valves and seats were installed to use unleaded fuel. While off the block, all the aluminum parts were re-polished, and all new chrome domed head nuts were used. The original air cleaner assembly hides the beauty of the engine and is cumbersome to service. It was removed and replaced by racing type air cleaners mounted to the SU carburetors. The original air cleaner is available if one wished to replace it.

The radiator was removed, rodded and boiled out, and repainted. The car maintains normal water temperature in all weather and driving speeds. All hoses and belts were replaced. The gas tank was removed, flushed out, sealed and repainted. All new fuel filters were installed. Carburetors were rebuilt and adjusted. The steering u-joint was replaced and the steering gear mesh was adjusted. The whole engine compartment was refinished to show standards. The heater fan motor was rebuilt. The brake vacuum servo and the master cylinder were rebuilt. The four-wheel disc brakes are outstanding for a car of that vintage. The car starts instantly, hot or cold.

The suspension system and ball-joints were checked and found to be good. New shock absorbers were installed. Handling is very good with a minimum of steering play. The whole car is tight and free of any rattles or squeaks.

The most troublesome things about Jaguars were electrical. Mr. Brooks had a new wiring harness installed. The Lucas generator and voltage regulator were very unreliable. They were replaced with an alternator with a built-in regulator. The original regulator remained in place for aesthetics, but was by-passed.

The Borg Warner automatic transmissions were rather crude, and the gear ratios were such that the engine revolutions were a very “busy” 3000-RPM at modern cruising speed. A GM four-speed automatic with overdrive was installed which shifts much more smoothly and reduces the engine RPM to 2100 at cruising speed. This transmission makes a tremendous difference in the drivability of the car. It is quieter, smoother and uses less fuel. It requires a GM starter, which eliminated the troublesome Lucas starter. None of this changes the appearance of the car.

The entire wood dash assembly was removed. These fascias are made in pieces, and glued at the factory. The wood pieces were re-glued, stripped and refinished in a simi-gloss, as the originals were. All other wood in the car is as new. The car has the original radio which works. The car still has its original tool kit and tools.

The original black leather interior and carpets were in remarkably good condition, but the driver’s seat cushion and backrest were beyond repairing. The front seats were rebuilt with black leather matched as closely as possible to the original grain. The rest of the leather was cleaned and softened. The headliner was good, but faded and dirty. A new headliner kit was installed, and the black Fur-flex wind lace around the doors was replaced.

A set of five Pirelli radial tires was mounted. These have a wider tread and a lower profile. They give an excellent ride with good performance. Mr. Brooks drives the car about twice a month, sufficient to prevent internal condensation. There is a small oil leak from the engine, no doubt due to having had insufficient driving to keep the seals soft. This is common to all old cars that are not driven much. They will sometimes stop leaking if driven a good deal. This is a very early production car, the 33rd built. Door gaps are not perfect, but are as they came from the factory.

A restoration of this quality would cost much more than the car is worth at today’s values. Sports Car Market magazine’s annual price guide ranks the Mark II Jaguar as a four-star B investment grade, with a one-year value increase of 12%. The mark II is valued for it’s timeless classic design and outstanding high performance for a sport sedan.

2014-07-29 21:04:27 | pauls writes:

Car was at auction in 08
www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm

Auction description:
Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey
10 October 2008
Lot 211
1960 Jaguar MK II 3.8 Saloon
To be auctioned on Friday, October 10, 2008
Sold for $14,850
Chassis no. LA10118

According to the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate that accompanies the car, the Mk II offered here was the 33rd example built. A left-hand-drive model, it was completed September 3, 1959 and passed through several owners, accumulating 44,432 miles by 1996 before a comprehensive and high-quality restoration was undertaken with the very impressive results seen here.

Now finished in Old English White, the fit of the door gaps is excellent, the glass is original, and the chrome was refinished or replaced as needed. The car is fitted with Jaguar wire wheels, and shod in speed-rated Pirelli radial tires. While the original black leather upholstery and carpets were in remarkably good condition, the front seats were carefully rebuilt and the remaining original leather was cleaned and softened. With the exception of the wooden dash, which was re-glued, stripped and refinished, the balance of the wood required no restoration work. Under the hood, the 3.8-liter engine was thoroughly checked and confirmed to be in top operating condition. In 2007, a GM four-speed automatic transmission replaced the original unit, greatly improving drivability and fuel economy. The wiring harness was also replaced, and an alternator with a built-in regulator was installed, along with a new GM-type starter.

This sporty and elegant Mk II is offered complete with its original Operating Handbook, as well as a comprehensive file with receipts and invoices detailing its provenance and restoration. Beautiful in its presentation and impressive in its performance, this 1960 Mk II is a wonderful Jaguar that will surely please the most discerning enthusiast and sport sedan devotee.

Addendum
Please note the engine on this example has had a full rebuild of the heads, with new valves, guides, and hardened seats to use unleaded gas. Additionally it contains the original took kit and the spare wheel well. This vehicle is titled by the engine number.