Editor’s note: November is Import Month on the ClassicCars.com Journal. Get all the news you could ever need about Italian, German, English, French, Japanese and lots of other cars at our dedicated page.
Jaguar rolled out its first proper sports sedan in 1955, a mid-sized four-door styled with restrained elegance, containing a luxurious leather-and-wood interior, and driving with the same exhilarating spirit that made the British brand’s sports cars so desirable.
An updated and improved Mark II arrived in 1960, a fast and capable road car especially when equipped with the race-bred 3.8-liter twin-cam inline-6 engine.
The Pick of the Day is a 1965 Jaguar Mk II that was restored in 1996, including a rebuild of its 220-horsepower 3.8-liter engine, with some upgrades for improved drivability, according to the Kentwood, Michigan, dealer advertising the car on ClassicCars.com.
The Jag also has an interesting early history, the seller notes.
“This car was originally purchased from Jaguar by Paul Deacon, a writer for Road & Track magazine for $1.00, and was spec’ed out by him as well,” the ads says. “His notebook along with the bill of sale accompanies this sale along with the original license plate from Coventry.”
From the photos with the ad, the 22-year-old restoration looks to be holding up well, the dark-blue paint and shiny wire wheels setting off the classic styling. The car “was finished in Westminster Blue and (the) interior was done with Connolly hides, Wilton wool rugs, new door panels and headliner,” the ad says.
The refurbishing was done when the car had 49,000 miles, the seller notes, with 76,873 miles now showing on the odometer.
“This car’s finish is in remarkable condition as well as everything else,” the seller notes. “This Mark 2 starts at the snap of the key and is an absolute joy to drive. Everything is in excellent working order and has been superbly maintained.
“A few upgrades include Coombs rear-wheel spats, stainless-steel wire wheels, power rack and pinion, alternator conversion with upgraded heater and fan, as well as aluminum radiator. It has a Retrosound radio and Petronix (electronic ignition).”
Mark IIs are wonderful cars to drive, accelerating briskly and handling with precision. Set up like this one with a 4-speed manual transmission with electric overdrive, they’re also excellent cross-country touring cars. The gutsy thrum of the inline-6 adds a distinctive soundtrack on the highway.
The asking price for the Jaguar is $52,900, which sounds right on for such an elegant and sporting classic in apparent great condition.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
