Lot 57: Jaguar MkII 340 MOD

The Jaguar 240 and 340 models are often unfavourably compared to their earlier Mk2 siblings because they are perceived as cost-cutting models due to their slimmer bumpers and Ambla, rather than leather, interiors. However they more than compensate for these 'shortcomings' by virtue of their sweeter and more powerful engines. Thanks to a new straight port cylinder head, a 240 is noticeably quicker than a 2.4 and a 340 has at least the performance of the old 3.8. First registered in May 1968, this Jaguar 340 has been owned by the same family since 1973 and had only one other owner prior to that. After a period in storage during the 1980s, the car was totally stripped and rebuilt in 1994. Photographs show the car being taken back to bare metal before being resprayed in the original Old English White, while all mechanical parts were replaced or overhauled as necessary. The car was also fitted with a full stainless steel exhaust system, chrome wire wheels, Motolita woodrim steering wheel and chrome mesh headlamp guards. It also has a fitted tow bar which was used only once to take a caravan to a two-day car show in Welshpool!Since the restoration was completed the car has seen only gentle summer use to attend shows and rallies and to do duty as an occasional wedding car for friends and family. It has less than 97,000 miles on the clock which is believed to be genuine and is backed up by the large number of old MOTs and receipts in the service folder. The car is said to drive very well through its manual overdrive gearbox and to have a surprising turn of speed when provoked! It has recently had a full front brake caliper overhaul and is due to have a fresh MOT before the sale.Said to be in good, sound condition throughout with a very tidy interior, the car can be enjoyed as it is but would benefit from some slight attention to the bodywork where some bubbles are just beginning to appear at the bottoms of the doors.