Lot 063: 1963 JAGUAR MK II 3.4 LITRE

More widely admired than any other Jaguar saloon, the MKII now seems synonymous with the 1960s. Leaner looking than its MKI forbear, the reduced girth of its A, B and C posts not only gave occupants a far airier glasshouse but also presented onlookers with a rather more elegant shape. Built as a monocoque, it featured independent coil-sprung front suspension, a well-located 'live' rear axle and all round disc brakes. Available in 2.4 litre, 3.4 litre and 3.8 litre guises, the larger-engined variants soon became known as capable sports saloons. A reputation underscored by their racing siblings' numerous track victories against assorted Mini Cooper and Ford Galaxies etc opposition. Although, slower on paper, the 3.4 litre cars nonetheless boasted some 210bhp and 216lbft of torque whose output was more than sufficient to ensure a circa 120mph top speed and spirited acceleration especially when fitted with the desirable four-speed plus overdrive manual gearbox. Finished in blue with grey leather upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "fair" (interior trim), "fair to good" (paintwork) or "good" (engine, four-speed manual plus overdrive gearbox, chassis, bodywork, wheels / tyres) condition. Riding on steel wheels, '761 DWN' is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until August 2008.