Lot 027: 1966 JAGUAR MK II 3.8 LITRE

Introduced in 1959, the MKII has long been Jaguar's best-loved saloon. Its combination of svelte good looks, strong performance and gentlemen's club interior has successfully charmed every passing generation. Though, many find it hard to see beyond the allure of the range topping 3.8 litre cars. Supplied new by Henley's of London on December 3rd 1965, 'EKT 642C' began life as MKII 3.8 Automatic. Prompted by some minor accident damage, its previous keeper embarked upon a major restoration in 1988 before family commitments saw him relinquish the Jaguar into the current ownership several years later. By then an unfinished project, the saloon was subsequently entrusted to Barry Hodson Cars for completion on a "no compromise" basis. As well as being stripped, refurbished and painted in Jaguar opalescent dark metallic blue, the MKII was converted to four-speed manual plus overdrive transmission as part of a "100\% mechanical restoration" that also saw it benefit from "front / rear Harvey Bailey suspension handling kits, period three-piston brake callipers, aeroquip brake lines and a stainless steel exhaust". Retrimmed by Suffolk & Turley, the sumptuous cabin apparently does justice to an exterior paint finish that is "beyond criticism". Riding on chrome wire wheels shod with Vredstein tyres, 'EKT 642C' is understood to have covered a mere 125 miles since work was completed. Only offered for sale due to a change of direction, this exceptional MKII must surely be among the finest available. Representing an excellent opportunity to jump the ever expanding restoration queue (Barry Hodson estimates that his work alone would cost some £75,000 to replicate), it is offered for sale with numerous invoices, assorted photos and MOT certificate valid until September 2008. PLEASE NOTE: The overdrive unit on this vehicle developed a fault en route to the sale. However, Barry Hodson Cars have volunteered to fix it free of charge for the new owner.