Description

1964 Jaguar MkII 3.8 MOD

Matching numbers; uprated disc brakes; engine rebuild by VSE including unleaded head; rear suspension overhaul; interesting transferable number

Undoubtedly one of the greatest saloon cars of all time, the Jaguar MkII 3.8 litre was launched to huge acclaim in 1959.

With stunning performance from its 220bhp straight-six engine (0 – 60 in 8.5 seconds), this full four-seater could embarrass most sports cars of the day and leave them trailing in its 125mph wake. Keeping everything under control were servo-assisted disc brakes all round, coil-and-wishbone independent front suspension and a leaf-sprung Salisbury rear axle with optional limited slip diff. Inside was beautifully trimmed in walnut and leather in the finest Jaguar tradition.

A huge success on both road and track, the MkII was quick to dominate contemporary saloon car racing in the hands of drivers like Stirling Moss and Roy Salvadori. No wonder it also established itself as the ultimate get-away car. With room for four burly gangsters and a big stack of loot, no Sixties bank job was complete without a 3.8 fishtailing its way from the scene of the crime – often hotly pursued by another MkII that the cops had been forced to buy to keep up!

According to a letter from the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, this 1964 example was despatched from the factory on 31st October wearing the registration number BYP 833B. Sadly, its early history is unknown, the car undergoing a restoration in the early ‘80s when it was reregistered 5726 D, a most attractive number which remains transferable.

A list of its subsequent owners is on file, along with numerous bills and invoices. A new speedometer was fitted in 1987 (which now reads some 20,800 miles) and Jaguar specialists Vintage Sports Engines (VSE) undertook a full engine rebuild which included new mains, big ends, a head skim and a conversion to allow the use of unleaded petrol.

The car was sold in 2012, its new owner treating it to a full bare-metal respray in December of that year which cost £5,200, a disc containing photographs showing the extent of the work undertaken.

It was sold again in 2015, Top Garage in Bromyard rebushing the rear suspension and fitting four new tyres, going through the car comprehensively during the service. Their bills amounted to £2,800, an invoice for a further £816 showing that four-pot calipers were fitted at the front, ensuring that its stopping ability is now in keeping with the high performance of the car.

Its current owner acquired the car through Brightwells in 2016, enjoying it greatly over his 3,800mile ownership. He has carefully serviced and maintained the car, adding more appropriate number plates and rear plinth, a steering tie rod, front wheel bearings and a having the car professionally tracked (to correct the one advisory on its most recent MOT from 2018). He also had the rear axle pinion seal replaced.

There are two handbooks, a Service Outlets Pack, lubrication chart, Haynes manual, old style log book and 23 old MOTs on file.

Retaining its original interior in red leather, there are a few minor blemishes at the door bottom of the doors which still fit well. It was driven some 30 miles to the sale and the vendor reports it is a fantastic starter whatever the weather.

Originally built with, and retaining the desirable 3.8-litre engine mated to a manual gearbox with overdrive, this matching numbers UK-supplied car is only for sale due to the arrival of a classic Aston. With Grace, Pace and Space aplenty, this well-maintained example ticks all the boxes.

For more information - contact matthew.parkin@brightwells.com