Lot 442: 1961 Jaguar Mk. II 3.4 litre Automatic

The 2.4 saloon of 1955 had been a major step for Jaguar, marking as it did the change from a coachbuilt chassis to one of unitary construction; it was a necessary move, however, Jaguar being aware there was a strong market for a more compact saloon than the big Mk IX. Powered by a 2,482cc version of the superb twin cam straight six XK engine first seen in the XK120 (which had already seen four Le Mans victories), the 2.4 offered luxury, performance and value for money. Using coil spring/wishbone front and semi-elliptic spring rear suspension, it possessed fine road manners and proved a great success, both on and off the track, particularly when the Mk I, as it subsequently became known, became available with the 3.4 litre engine in February 1957. It was in October 1959 that the Mk II version appeared, making a good car even better. Similar in appearance but with a much larger glass area, it boasted a wider rear track to improve roadholding together with minor front suspension changes to reduce body roll and all round disc rather than drum brakes. Engine options included the 120bhp 2.4 litre, the 210bhp 3.4 litre and, for the first time, the 220bhp 3,781cc unit of the Mk IX. Naturally performance was excellent, respective figures for maximum speed and 0-60mph being 101mph/13.1 seconds, 121mph/9.5 seconds and 125mph/8.5 seconds; it was the 3.4 litre, however, which proved the most popular, offering the best compromise between performance and economy. And notably, as well as being the most successful Jaguar then yet produced, the Mk II was also an enormous hit with the criminal fraternity, perceived as the ultimate getaway car! In competition it was unbeatable too, driven by such greats as Mike Hawthorn, Stirling Moss, Ivor Bueb, Roy Salvadori Archie Scott-Brown and Don and Erle Morlev. This original four owner car from new was purchased by one of the directors of Barclays Bank on the 10th July 1969, he owned the car for 8 years until 1980 whereupon he sold it to his brother. He then kept it for 11 years when it was sold to Grahame Price of Grace Jaguars in 1980. The renowned Jaguar restorers completely stripped the car and carried out a full 'nut and bolt' restoration over the next 5 years. Grahame Price owned the car for the ensuing 26 years when it was sold to the current vendor. 775 UPK has a fabulous history file as well as many 'old log sheet books' noting petrol and other sundries consumed as well as a letter from the original owner. It also comes with its original Buff Log Book and is an original matching number car. Also enclosed are many valuations over the years from the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club and Vicarage stating a figure of £32,000. Recently it has had a further cosmetic restoration with bills for over £17,000 spent. This example is in, as the vendor states, quite superb condition and represents real British workmanship at its very best. Finished in opalescent British Racing Green with a suede green interior, this stunning motorcar is fully serviced and will carry a full 1 year MoT test certificate for it's arrival at Blenheim Palace.