Lot 020: 1966 JAGUAR MK II 3.8 LITRE

For many the definitive Jaguar sports saloon, the MKII was introduced in October 1959. A peerless blend of elegance and muscularity, its super sleek shape clothed an evolution of the Coventry marqueÆs first monocoque design. Powered by derivatives of the same XK DOHC straight-six engine that had swept Jaguar to five Le Mans victories, the MKII was quick to dominate contemporary saloon car racing. Equipped with coil-and-wishbone independent front suspension, a leaf-sprung Salisbury rear axle and servo-assisted four-wheel disc brakes, the range-topping 3.8 boasted nearly seven times the horsepower of a Mini 850cc and a 126mph top speed! Blessed with one of the all time great automotive interiors, its stylish instrumentation, rich wood veneers and sumptuous leather upholstery all conspired to cosset and cocoon occupants. Finished in Carmen Red with black leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "excellent" condition with regard to its engine, four-speed manual plus overdrive gearbox, electrical equipment, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres (while, he rates the interior trim as "very good"). The subject of an extensive "nut and bolt" refurbishment shortly before being sold via ourselves on June 3rd 1998, æEIG 1828Æ has been in the current ownership ever since. Said to be a "credit to the restorers" and to boast "one of the best paintjobs I have ever seen" the Jaguar is also understood to have given "excellent service" over the last 6,000 miles. Reportedly treated to "a stainless steel exhaust within the last few hundred miles", the sports saloon rides on wire wheels. Worthy of close inspection, this desirable æMODÆ (manual / overdrive) MK II 3.8 Litre is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until May 2008.