Lot 438: 1960 Jaguar Mark II 3.4 litre Saloon

Jaguar’s world-beating Mark II saloons made their debut in October 1959 and were distinguishable from earlier models by their slimmer windscreen pillars, deeper side windows and the disappearance of its predecessor’s rear wheel spats, enabling the track to be widened, enhancing roll-resistance and stability. The new model was offered in 2.4 litre, 3.4 litre and 3.8 litre guise, the cognoscenti generally favouring the 3.4 litre, even against the extra power of the 3.8 litre model. Top speed was comfortably in excess of 100mph and yet the car offered typical Jaguar luxury and opulence combined with this sporting performance. Servo-assisted hydraulic braking ensured that the performance of the car was matched by stopping ability. Interior trim was in leather with pile carpets and polished walnut woodwork furnishings and the styling was naturally to the standards expected from the Brown’s Lane drawing offices. This car was purchased new in May 1960 by the late Robert Martin, a life-long Jaguar enthusiast. The car was supplied by Whipples Ltd of Grantham who allowed £1,200 on the 1958 Jaguar 3.4 traded in. The original invoice comes with the car. This one-owner Jaguar is to manual specification with overdrive and is equipped with chrome wire wheels. It is presented in dark blue livery with mid blue original leather upholstery and carpets, the original paint being slightly faded and retouched in places, and we feel that the original upholstery will respond well to careful refreshment. The car is equipped with a stainless steel exhaust system, radio and a wood rim steering wheel and a new battery has recently been fitted. The indicated mileage, just in excess of 71,000, is known to be correct and the car has been kept as a second car, used only on high days and holidays in fine weather and in more recent years shown at local classic car events. Enthusiast-maintained and much cherished throughout its life, RCT 800 comes with a Swansea V5 registration document, road fund licence, MoT to June 2007 and period documentation, old MoTs and the aforementioned original supplier’s invoice.