Lot 509: 1960 Jaguar Mk2 2.4-Litre Saloon

One of the most readily recognised cars of the 1960s, thanks in part to countless appearances in films and on television, Jaguar's seminal Mk2 saloon set the standard for the class throughout its entire production life and today remains highly prized by enthusiasts.
A development of the Mk1, the Jaguar Mk2 was introduced in October 1959. Slimmer windscreen pillars and deeper side windows greatly enlarged the cabin's glass area, while the deletion of its predecessor's rear wheel spats enabled the rear track to be widened, increasing roll resistance and stability. Otherwise, the running gear remained much as before, with independent front suspension by wishbones and coil springs, leaf-sprung live rear axle and disc brakes on all four wheels.
Although ultimately not as fast as its larger-engined 3.4- and 3.8-litre siblings, the 2.4-litre Mk2 possesses all the style and refinement associated with Jaguar’s classic saloon, while cruising comfortably in present-day traffic on motorways. Cheaper to insure, the ‘2.4’ is also capable of delivering superior fuel consumption - an important consideration these days, even for classic cars - particularly when equipped with overdrive transmission, as is the case with this example.
This ‘2.4’ was supplied new via Great Western Motors in Reading and kept by its first owner until he died circa 1985. Obviously well maintained all its life, the car comes with an extensive history file dating back to the early 1990s for maintenance rather than restoration. The recorded mileage of 67,313 is believed to be genuine, the 19 expired MoTs on file for the period July 1982 to Sept 2007 confirming only 17,000 miles covered in that time. Both the previous owner and the present Jaguar enthusiast owner have continued careful maintenance and only last year the vehicle was treated to a complete new leather interior. On a recent short test-drive it performed extremely well with everything working, including the overdrive.
Finished in Cornish Grey with maroon leather interior, the latter equipped with working period radio, the car benefits from the installation of a stainless-steel exhaust system and is described by the vendor as in good condition throughout. The vehicle is offered with sundry service/maintenance invoices, current road fund licence, MoT to June 2009 and Swansea V5 registration document.