1961 Jaguar MkII Saloon
Extensively restored and upgraded by marque specialist P&K Thornton

Registration No: 781 MNY
Chassis No: 154420
MOT: August 2026

• Benefiting from a substantial restoration in c.2007 by P&K Thornton Restorations
• Finished in Jaguar Opalescent Maroon with Ivory electrically adjusted XJ40 seating
• Uprated with the 3.8-litre XK engine and the later all synchro 4 speed gearbox with overdrive
• Supplied with extensive, well documented history file, current V5C and MOT for peace of mind

For many the definitive Jaguar sports Saloon, the Mk. II was introduced in October, 1959. A peerless blend of elegance and muscularity, its sleek lines clothed an evolution of the Coventry marque's first monocoque design. Powered by derivatives of the same XK DOHC straight-six engine that had swept Jaguar to five Le Mans victories, the Mk. II was quick to dominate contemporary Saloon car racing. Equipped with coil-and-wishbone independent front suspension, a leaf-sprung Salisbury rear axle and servo-assisted four-wheel disc brakes. Blessed with one of the all-time great automotive interiors, its stylish instrumentation, rich wood veneers and sumptuous leather upholstery all conspired to cosset and cocoon occupants.

First registered in September 1961, 781 MNY has been subject to comprehensive works over the past 18 years including replacement of the 3.4-litre engine with a 3.8-litre unit and the fitting of a later synchromesh gearbox with overhauled overdrive in place of the original Moss ‘box in April 2007. During 2008/2009 a thorough restoration was carried out by P & K Thornton Restorations. This included;

Shell stripped and repairs completed as needed before repainting in Opalescent Maroon. The rear seat was retrimmed in leather and the front seats replaced with XJ40 fully electrical adjustable ivory leather seats with walnut veneered picnic trays. The remaining areas were trimmed in matching vinyl, the woodwork refinished and polished, and new carpets and a new headlining fitted. The body was undersealed, electrics converted to negative earth, and a new wiring loom installed, an 80 amp alternator fitted, reconditioned two speed wiper motor and Lucas H4 head lights fitted.

Mechanical works included; radiator recored with Serck Marston super x core, a reconditioned water pump fitted and all hoses replaced. The engine was completely stripped down and new mains and big/end shells, piston rings etc. fitted (April 2007), oil pump overhauled and a stainless steel expansion tank fitted. Cylinder head work included new valves and guides, tappet buckets, head refaced, new camshaft bearings and cam covers polished. The flywheel was refaced, a new diaphragm clutch fitted along with new master and slave cylinders. The gearbox was overhauled with new bearings and syncro cones and the overdrive overhauled by Oakdean Transmissions. A Stainless steel exhaust and heat shielding was fitted. The front cross member assembly was removed, stripped, bead blasted and powder coated. All suspension components were cleaned, inspected and repainted, then reassembled with new bushes and joints. A speed sensitive rack and pinion power steering conversion was fitted and the steering geometry and rear axle alignment checked by laser alignment. New brake discs, front caliper upgrade to 4 piston, new pads all round including hand brake, hand brake compensator rebushing, new pipes and flexible hoses and a new servo completed attention to the braking system.

Fuel System and Carbs; new negative earth petrol pump, new pipework and inline filter fitted. Carburettors stripped, cleaned and polished, wirh new jet assemblies and floats fitted.

Mileage at MoT test on 13th July 2009 was 0014.

Works carried out in current ownership include:

New pedal rubbers for brake and clutch, new rubber mats front and rear.

Fog Ranger N/S light - fluted rim replaced with plain rim to match the O/S one.

Tool kit box stove enamelled.

Five New wire wheels from MWS fitted with Blockley tyres.

Overdrive reconditioned, new fuel pump, new front and rear adjustable dampers.

New front road springs. Rear leaf spring re-temper and set. Track rods ends, rubber suspension bushes etc.

The car comes with 5 brightly chromed wire wheels and tyres - the wheels the car is on in the photos are for use when in storage.

Supplied with extensive, well documented history file, current V5C and current MOT to August 2026.

For more information, please contact:
Oliver Fernyhough-Martin
oliver.fernyhough-martin@handh.co.uk
07483 361000