Vehicle description
HISTORY OF THE JAGUAR MARK II Introduced to the public in December of 1959, the Jaguar Mark II Saloon was the culmination of lessons learned from the earlier Mark I models. Development began in the summer of 1958, with Jaguar focusing on improved heating and ventilation, enhanced outward visibility via larger glass areas, and a more driver-oriented interior layout. Stylistic updates-many reportedly overseen personally by Sir William Lyons-included a reshaped grille, revised rear styling, and larger windows that dramatically reduced the traditional � blind spots. Mechanically, the Mark II benefited from standard four-wheel disc brakes, a major improvement over its predecessor, along with optional features such as Burman power steering and a Borg-Warner three-speed automatic transmission. The additional comfort and safety features added weight, prompting Jaguar to offer a range of more powerful engines. Production spanned roughly ten years, beginning with the 3.4 Litre XK engine and culminating in the famed 3.8 Litre variant, offered with either 8:1 or 9:1 compression depending on market. Output for the 3.8 was rated at approximately 220 horsepower. The Mark II quickly gained notoriety for combining strong performance with four-door practicality, earning fame in motorsport as well as among police forces and-less officially-criminals. Competition success included victories at the Australian Touring Car Championship, the Motor Six Hours International Saloon Car Race (1962 and 1963), and the 1963 European Touring Car Challenge. By 1967, the Mark II name was retired, with production continuing through 1969 under the 240 and 340 designations. Today, the Mark II is widely regarded as one of Jaguar's most celebrated sporting saloons and among the last of the truly classic-era designs. THE MOTORCAR OFFERED The 1962 Jaguar Mark II 3.8 Litre Saloon offered here is finished in Black over a Grey leather interior, accented by beautiful Burr walnut trim throughout. While the car's earliest history is undocumented, it has remained in the same ownership since 1987, when it was acquired as a running and driving project just southwest of St. Louis, Missouri. The owner's late husband, a specialist in restoring European automobiles, completed a comprehensive restoration over the course of approximately 18 months. Period photographs included with the car document the process, showing the vehicle stripped to bare metal, with the front end and drivetrain removed, rebuilt, and reinstalled prior to completion. Handwritten dates on the photographs indicate the restoration was completed in early 1988. Following completion, the Mark II was enjoyed extensively and shown throughout the region. Accompanying trophies and awards document 1st Place finishes at Jaguar Club of America events in 1989 and 1990, along with Top Three class finishes at Regional All British Car Shows in 1989 and 1991, and a second-in-class finish at the 1998 All British Car event. The car remained an active participant in local events until 2014, when it was placed into storage. In January 2023, after nearly a decade of inactivity, the Jaguar was brought to IT'S ALIVE! for comprehensive recommissioning to return it to proper driving condition. Over $17,000 USD was invested addressing mechanical systems and select cosmetic concerns under the care of our in-house specialists. Fuel system service included rebuilding the twin SU carburetors, replacement of the fuel sending unit, lines, and hoses, and installation of a modern solid-state SU fuel pump. The braking system was thoroughly refreshed with new Girling caliper pistons, brake pads, stainless steel flex hoses, master cylinder, and handbrake cables and hardware. Ignition components were renewed throughout, and the cooling system was serviced with a new water pump, hoses, and clamps. Additional work included replacement of engine mounts, harmonic balancer, clutch master cylinder, power steering hoses, and various bushings, seals, and gaskets. All fluids were replaced, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, differential oil, automatic transmission fluid, and power steering fluid. A stainless steel exhaust system was fitted to improve both durability and sound. Interior refurbishment was intentionally limited, preserving originality while being enhanced by a fresh OSJI carpet kit. Upon completion in early summer 2023, the owner once again enjoyed driving her Jaguar before consigning the vehicle to IT'S ALIVE! in 2024. Today, this Mark II presents as a well-loved, well-sorted driver, ideal for touring, events, and regular enjoyment. The paint shows several imperfections consistent with a nearly 40-year-old finish, and some topside stain etching is visible on close inspection, largely diminishing with a fresh polish. The car rides on 72-spoke chrome wire wheels fitted with Blackhawk Street H 205/70R15 tires with 2020-2022 date codes. Under the bonnet resides a correct-type 3.8 Litre DOHC inline-six, upgraded to a 9:1 compression ratio, offering slightly improved performance over the original 8:1 specification. While not numbers-matching, the engine is appropriate for the model and era. The interior wood retains a pleasing sheen, complemented by the fresh carpeting and color-matched seatbelts. A period-correct Stromberg-Carlson AM radio remains installed and functional. The five-digit odometer displays approximately 14,000 miles, believed to represent mileage accumulated since completion of the restoration. IT'S ALIVE! is pleased to offer this well-documented, long-term-owned Jaguar Mark II to the value-minded enthusiast seeking a classic sporting saloon that can be driven and enjoyed. If you are the next caretaker of this iconic Jaguar, please contact us at (314) 710-6600 ext. 140 or email [email protected].