2022-02-25 09:28:34 | pauls writes:

Car at auction 2/22

themarket.bonhams.com/en/listings/jaguar/mk2-38/595592b0-944d-431a-8eb1-ac9e2eb0 ...

Auction description:

Location: The Market HQ, Abingdon, United Kingdom

Seller Type: Trade

Odometer Reading: 85500

Gearbox: auto

Steering position: RHD

Colour: Silver

Interior: Red Leather

Estimated Price: £11,000 - £15,000

Built in 1965 (but not registered until 1968) this Mk2 is very likely unique, in that it’s a genuine one owner from new example, having been owned by the same family since it was first registered.

This is exactly the kind of Jaguar saloon that any classic car enthusiast dreams of discovering – a highly original, apparently structurally sound car that displays some beautifully original features, such as a superb interior.

Having covered just over 85,000 miles from new, supported by MoT certificates dating back to 1974, this Mk2 is offered as an exceptionally sound and intact running restoration project.

On the Outside

Finished in silver with contrasting red hide, and still sitting on its factory fitted steel wheels, overall the car presents well and has clearly been cherished over the years.

While it represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a one owner Mk2 Jag in original condition, it’s clear that the car will need some work to bring it up to a roadworthy standard, as a well as a cosmetically pleasing one. There is evidence of rust brewing on the driver’s side front wing, but it looks superficial and if dealt with now could be an easy repair.

At the rear on the driver’s side the spat that encloses the rear wheel isn’t fitted, although it is included with the car. Both the bumpers and the hubcaps could really do with rechroming, although a good clean up with silver foil and Coca Cola (honestly – try it) would improve their appearance.

The vendor says ‘Mechanically, the original factory fitted 3.8 engine runs well, evidenced by its relative low mileage and maintenance history. The main area of attention required will be the braking system, which will need to be fully rebuilt in order to attain a new MoT certificate.’ (Although of course, the car is now MoT exempt.)

The filler cap is missing which is slightly worrisome. We suspect the fuel tank could do with flushing before any attempt to use the car regularly is made.

Cosmetically the engine is scruffy, and an engine bay tidy up would improve matters greatly. The air cleaner is currently installed in the boot, which makes it rather less efficient than is strictly ideal.

On the Inside

The interior is a particular highlight as it appears to be completely original and intact, with still supple leather, clean woodwork and headlining, all in a condition that’s very rarely seen for an unrestored car. A weekend spent cleaning and feeding the hide upholstery, and tidying the various small niggles would really lift the car.

Unlike the bodywork and chrome, we’d be tempted to do as little restoration work on the inside as possible, in order to maintain the fabulous historic ‘survivor’ feel of this old Jag. Others may want to go further though, and certainly the tear in the rear seat squab needs urgent attention to prevent it getting any worse.

A good, second hand cowl for the steering column would be a great addition to replace the cracked and broken part on the car.

The original Pye Major radio is still fitted, and a good internet hunt may well track down some replacement knobs for it.

Underneath

The vendor says: ‘From a structural standpoint, the car is very honest indeed and whilst it displays historic evidence of work over the years to keep it roadworthy, it still appears to be absolutely sound underneath.’

We’d want to clean all the old underseal off and reapply some wax based preservative, as the area around the front suspension looks to have some surface corrosion that we’d want to deal with.

It looks as though the drain plug is out of the fuel tank. We’d be tempted to get the tank steam cleaned in order to remove any residual fuel deposits.

History Highlights

First registered on February 6th 1968 with the Cambridgeshire mark MEG 813F, this 3.8 litre automatic saloon was originally delivered to the Jaguar appointed dealers for that county, Parker & Sons Ltd of St Ives. In July of that same year, it passed to its first private owner, who has cherished it for the last 53 years.

This Mk2 is accompanied by a delightful history file dating back to when the car was new. This includes the original issue VE60, a Jaguar Heritage certificate, MoT certificates from 1974, old tax discs and lots parts invoices, highlights of which include:

1980. Servicing – £30.

1981. Servicing – £41.

1982. New subframe mounts – £42.

1982. Servicing and brake pads – £68.

1982. New suspension top joints fitted – £145.

1985. Servicing – £89.

1986. Dynamo – £45

1988. New coil springs, suspension parts and exhaust section – £319.

1989. New hoses – £44.

1990. New ball joints - £66.

1992. Service parts and battery – £62.

1992. Wiring repairs – £44

1992. Assorted parts – £170.

1992. Transmission service – £45.

1998. Servicing – £99.

2002. Brake repairs – £374.

2002. Battery – £27.

2002 New exhaust section – £353.