Lot 003: 1962 JAGUAR MK2 3.4 LITRE

The 1955 launched 2.4 Litre ventured into a new market for Jaguar, being smaller than their existing luxury saloons and in doing so it virtually created the niche for the compact but luxurious sporting saloon. Available as a larger engined 3.4 Litre from 1957, the model really came into its own on the launch of what was known as the Mark II range in October 1959. Featuring a wider rear track to improve the handling and disc brakes all-round plus smaller pillars for improved visibility, the curvaceous Mark II became the definitive sporting saloon in the 1960s. Available in 2.4, 3.4 and 3.8 litre engined versions the Mark II was a force to be reckoned with on the racetracks, many a duel being fought with the faster but much less nimble Ford Galaxies. The inherent correctness of the design meant that the MK II was able to continue substantially unchanged through most of the 1960s until a reshuffle of Jaguar's saloon car range in 1966/67 lead to this bodyshell being used for an entry level model called the 240/340 with de-contented specification. The last model rolled off the Browns Lane production lines in 1969. The 1962 Mark II 3.4 litre manual with overdrive offered for sale here is finished in Old English white with a red leather interior. The recorded mileage shown is 97,000 although the vendor is unable to verify if this is correct. Originally bought by an American Air Force officer based in the UK, we are told that he took this vehicle back with him when he returned to the US. There is a history file available for viewing in the document office dating from 1984-1995 and it would appear that the car spent much of its life in Arizona before being imported back to the UK and refurbished by Rugby Classic garages. Owned by the vendor since July 1998 there are bills to show a engine rebuild and gearbox/overdrive overhaul and the car is described as being 'good' in all aspects. The MOT is valid until September 2007 and the car is taxed until March 2007. PLEASE NOTE: The vendor has informed us that the engine has been modified to run on unleaded petrol and it keeps very good oil pressure.