Lot 006: 1968 Jaguar 340

Last evolution of the MKII line, the revised 240 and 340 models were introduced for the 1968 model year. Visually distinguished by their new slimline front and rear bumpers, they also benefited from sundry hidden changes such as the adoption of the E-type's straight port cylinder head design. Fitted with twin SU carburettors, the 340 model's 3442cc DOHC straight-six was quoted as developing some 210bhp and 215lbft of torque. Reputedly capable of 120mph in manual guise, the 'compact' Jaguar also boasted four-wheel disc brakes (a defining feature of the entire MKII range from 1959 onwards). Short lived, just 2,265 right-hand drive specification 340s are thought to have been made. Finished in blue with navy ambla upholstery, this particular automatic example is described by the vendor as being in "fair overall" condition (though, he notes that the engine oil pressure gauge gives a low reading). Reportedly owned by a marque enthusiast, Mr Jackson, for the first twenty years, 'MKT 965F' is then understood to have changed hands several times before entering the current custodianship via Chris Evans' girlfriend in 1995. Indeed the disc jockey and TV personality is thought to have used the Jaguar himself during the early 1990s (or so an accompanying bill in his name for �762 would imply). Riding on correct type steel wheels, the 340 is stated to have covered just 80,000 miles from new (a figure apparently substantiated by "a long run of old MOTs and many invoices for work done throughout its life"). Said to be "in regular use", this tempting 340 is offered for sale with handbook, tool kit and MOT certificate valid until June 14th 2008.