Lot 532: 1964 Jaguar Mk2 3.8-Liter Sedan

This Jaguar Mk2 sedan is an exceptional example, maintained in concours-winning condition but discreetly modified for comfortable, confident, long-distance touring. The car was restored for a Canadian executive in 1991 by McLaren Motorsports in Auckland, New Zealand, using a numbers-matching chassis and engine. A photographic album bears witness to the quality of the frame-up restoration. The car was refinished in its original shade of Old English White with a subtle hand-painted fender stripe emphasizing its sleek lines. The paintwork remains in very good condition, while the original wood interior trim has been restored to show quality and the Italian red leather upholstery and Wilton wool carpets likewise are in excellent condition.

Modifications made during restoration include an XJ-S power-assisted steering rack; Selden air conditioning with vents and controls in the front parcel shelf; XJ-S retractable seat belts and head rests; and five-speaker Alpine stereo system. In all other respects, the car was restored to factory specification, with standard rear fender skirts, original steering wheel and rare Lucas Ranger driving lamps. A complete original Jaguar tool kit is included.

The car was purchased by a Jaguar enthusiast in Arizona in 1996, who improved its performance by installing a five-speed manual transmission built by Vicarage Jaguar, the famous upgrade specialists in England. Controls for the original overdrive transmission were preserved to maintain the original appearance of the interior.

The current owner bought the car in April 1999. That fall, before a 1,000-mile tour, he commissioned XKs Unlimited to install competition suspension, including heavy-duty springs and sway bar at the front, rear sway bar and front/rear Koni shock absorbers. At the same time, he fitted Dayton chromed wire wheels and 185-15 Vredestein radial tires. The modified suspension, limited-slip differential and four-wheel disc brakes provide handling confidence that impressed former Jaguar Cars test driver Norman Dewis when he drove the car that year. With the 3.8-litre, 220 horsepower engine and five-speed transmission, this car is capable of highway speeds in excess of 100mph today.

Attesting to its original appearance, this Mk2 scored 98.75 points in the Jaguar Clubs of North America unmodified class in 2001. Subsequently, it won trophies at Hillsboro and Palo Alto Concours d’Elegance and in 2005 achieved ‘best of show’ at the Bay Area Jaguar Associates Group popular choice concours.

The car has been carefully maintained and driven approximately 11,450 miles in the 15 years since it has been restored. Offered with owner’s handbook, post-1999 service records and Certificate of Title, it has just been fully serviced, air conditioning included.