1963 Jaguar

This superb Jaguar is the result of a Jaguar enthusiast and experts dream to create the ultimate Mark ll. Heading up a successful Jaguar restoration business for many years meant he knew exactly where the model could be significantly improved without compromise and this car, a retirement present to himself, is a culmination of these years of experience.

A good original UK supplied right hand drive Mark ll 3.8 Overdrive was the starting point. This was stripped back to the bare shell and completely rebuilt with new door skins, custom made Coombs style rear wings were made as was a louvred bonnet. Careful panel alignment was followed by a full repaint and original underside detail.

The original engine was stripped and rebored, then rebuilt with new 8:1 County pistons, re-ground crankshaft, new oil pump, timing chains, balanced crank and rods, lightened flywheel, drilled and strapped core plugs and a straight port cylinder head fitted with E Type cams, all new valves, followers and bearings. A six-branch manifold bespoke exhaust system was made and a five speed Getrag gearbox was fitted using custom mountings and prop shaft. A rebuilt Salisbury limited slip differential with new 3:54 crown wheel and piston was fitted.

A new wiring loom was made with a 12-gang fuse distribution board system and featuring special choke and electric override switches, hazard flashers, LED lighting for instruments and internal lighting, H4 halogen headlights, and high efficiency cooling fan. Speed sensitive power steering retains the original steering box and geometry. Ken Jenkins Coombs design heavy duty front coil springs feature with front/rear Gaz adjustable shock absorbers, poly-bushed front wishbones, anti-roll bar and rear spring pads. These suspension upgrades greatly enhance handling whilst soft rubber V mounts give a smoother ride. The brakes feature Zeus parts, upgraded vented front discs, large four pot callipers, rear callipers pods, V12 E Type brake master cylinder and servo conversion to give a split circuit tandem hydraulic operating. Stainless braided hoses feature throughout.

Inside, XJ6 Series 3 seating features with electric height adjustment with head restraints and new inertia reel belts. Auxiliary switches feature in a custom panel which matches the original wood which was re veneered and polished to a far higher standard than original. Externally all chrome parts were replaced or refinished, a laminated windscreen fitted as were wider MWS 6.5” chrome wire wheels with chrome knock offs.

This project completed in 2021, the MK ll was carefully run in during that summer with many final adjustments and snagging completed. Since then the car has been carefully used in dry summer conditions.

The car remains immaculate throughout with great detail everywhere. A recent drive confirms how carefully conceived this car was and how well it was built. It drives beautifully and can be placed very accurately with precise steering and limited roll in corners. The engine is clearly more powerful than the original and gives great pace whilst the braking system inspires great confidence as does the tightness of the car with no slack or rattles apparent. All controls work with a positive action and in short, the legendary attributes of the MK ll 3.8 all shine that bit brighter as a result of the subtle updates. You really could use this car every day.