1962 Jaguar Mk. II 3.8
Extensively restored to show-winning condition 2018-19

Registration No: 656 RHU
Chassis No: 209336DN
MOT: October 2025

• Subject to a comprehensive restoration during the 2010s
• A matching-numbers example still fitted with the correct Moss gearbox and Laycock overdrive
• Just 4,500 post-refurbishment miles covered
• Offered with several restoration photographs documenting the restoration

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.

This beautifully-presented 3.8-litre manual-overdrive Mk. II was manufactured on 17th October, 1962, and originally finished in Opalescent Maroon with a Beige interior. Distributed through Henlys of London, its original dealer was William Automobiles of Bristol, and pleasingly it retains its original Bristol registration '656 RHU' as well as its original engine and gearbox numbers, the gearbox being a Moss four-speed. It is also desirably fitted with Reutter reclining front seats, a factory option in period, as well as some more recent upgrades including hydraulic power steering and electronic ignition.

This 3.8 benefitted from a very substantial renovation during 2018 and 2019, with many new parts sourced through the David Manners Group. During this period, it was repainted in its present metallic Gunmetal Grey, which remains in beautiful condition along with the rest of the bodywork; we are advised that four new old-stock doors were fitted, and their fit is superb. The work also involved the retrimming of the interior and refurbishment of the wood veneers, along with the installation of a limited-slip differential. Since completion, it has been widely exhibited at shows, even being named Best in Show at the 2019 Redditch Lions Classic Car Show. More recently, the brakes were overhauled with new pads, a new servo and a new master cylinder.

In 2022, the Jaguar was bought by an enthusiast who continued to keep it well-tuned, using it for long-distance touring around Britain. Although exempt from MOT testing, it has nevertheless been tested and passed with no advisories, the certificate remaining valid until 24th October, 2025. It is offered for sale with paperwork including the current V5C, a Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, owner-prepared operating instructions, numerous invoices from 2018 and 2019 and a photograph album documenting its restoration in detail. The original car-number plaque has been removed but is stored in the documents file, along with the spare key.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430