Lot 118: 1964 Jaguar Mk II 3.8L Mo/d

The Jaguar Mk VII saloon and the XK sports car dominated two sectors of the high performance car market in the early 1950s. In order to increase this share further, Jaguar developed a medium-sized sporting saloon. The resultant design was to be one of Jaguar s most successful cars, the Mk I of 1955, which was subsequently updated to the Mk II in 1959. This car, with the optional 3.8 litre 220 bhp engine was to be the ultimate Jaguar saloon. The Mk II range encompassed many important changes; larger windows enhanced the car s appearance, the interior was vastly improved, the rear axle was widened and disc brakes were a welcome addition. There was even a warning badge on the rear bumper denoting the exceptional stopping power these cars offered. This fine example was owned by a Mr. G. Gransden of Edwardstown, South Australia, for a period of approximately ten years up until he sold it to a Melbourne Doctor in June 1997. The Doctor commissioned its restoration in 1997 at a cost of the considerable sum of AUS $55,000. Having returned it to its former glory, the car was passed to Mr. Jim Claridge of Claridge Motors, Adelaide, then, via another dealer, to the current owner. The chassis, engine and body numbers are original. Power steering has been added complemented by a Lacock overdrive unit and stainless steel exhaust.During the comprehensive restoration by Mike Roddy in 1997 the bodyshell received sandblasting and repainting. The engine, gearbox, back axle, suspension and braking system were overhauled/refurbished and new parts fitted as necessary, fitment of a new loom, new leather upholstery front and rear seats, door panels, new carpet and underlay and new head lining were carried out. Even a second fuel pump was fitttde as a precaution in the event of primary failure. The car has taken part in South Australia s equivalent of the London to Brighton old crocks rally, known as the Bay to Birdwood Run and gained third place in The Jaguar Driver s Club of South Australia s Concours d Elegance. It has undergone regularly servicing by Sovereign Autos classic Jaguar specialists. The car comes with all four jack rubbers, an almost complete Jaguar tool kit, the jack and jack brace correctly sighted in their brackets in the boot, the hub-nut mallet, an original service chart and a workshop manual. Not that you'd need it.