Lot details
Registration No: DSY796D
Chassis No: 169088DN
Mot Expiry: April 2012

Synonymous with the swinging '60s and the hit TV Series Inspector Morse and beloved by both bank robbers and the police that pursued them, the MKII was undoubtedly the most admired Saloon to emanate from Jaguar's hallowed Browns Lane factory. Featuring notably slimmer roof pillars, a wider rear track and larger rear window than its MKI forebear, the newcomer was as airy on the inside as it was elegant on the outside. Comprising a monocoque bodyshell equipped with independent coil-sprung front suspension, a well located live rear axle and disc brakes all round, it could be specified with a 2.4, 3.4 or 3.8-litre version of Jaguar's race-proved XK engine. The interior was quintessentially British with its sumptuous leather-covered seats, polished wood facia and door cappings, comprehensive instrumentation and impressive row of auxiliary toggle switches. The attention to detail and build quality of the MKII were remarkable for the price being asked - these cars punched above their weight. A road test of a 3.4-litre model with automatic transmission conducted by Motor magazine in 1961 resulted in a 0-60mph time of 11.9 seconds and a top speed of a whisker under 120mph. The touring fuel consumption was 19.0mpg. Production of the MKII ran from 1959 to 1967, at which point the 3.8-litre engine option was dropped and the remaining models renamed 240 and 340 respectively. A total of 91,210 MKIIs, 240s and 340s and are thought to have been produced, some 31,454 of which were equipped with the 3.4-litre engine.

Finished in Grey with Red leather upholstery, this particular example is understood to be highly original. Entering the current (believed fifth) ownership during 2001, 'DSY 796D' is said to have covered just 29,000 miles from new (the odometer reading at the time of cataloguing being 29,310). Apparently the vendor has been responsible for very little of that total and a recent new clutch has been the only major work required during his tenure. He currently considers the sports saloon's bodywork, paintwork, interior trim, 3.4 litre engine and four-speed manual plus overdrive transmission to all be in "good" order and is offering the MKII complete with tax and MOT into April and a sizeable history file.