JAGUAR MK II

Offered here is a carefully considered and very well executed Jaguar Mk2 that has been comprehensively restored and thoughtfully re-engineered as a more capable long-distance tourer. The project began in 2011 when a successful entrepreneur decided to transform his lovely, low ownership Mk2 into a car capable of covering long distances with ease and reliability. The build would take almost three years to complete and total in excess of £100,000, beginning with a chemically stripped bodyshell and concluding with a brand-new set of Borrani wire wheels.

Once the bodyshell had been stripped to bare metal, work commenced fabricating various upgrades including twin long-range fuel tanks with twin Monza-style filler caps and provision for additional auxiliaries within the engine bay. The completed shell was then e-coated and beautifully refinished in metallic burgundy. The original 3.4-litre engine was professionally rebuilt and enlarged to 3.8-litres, fitted with performance camshafts and triple SU carburettors, and now offers a healthy 280bhp and 315lb/ft of torque. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels through a Toyota five-speed gearbox, bespoke propshaft and limited-slip differential, the handling is enhanced by Koni dampers and uprated suspension bushes throughout, and retardation is courtesy of Coopercraft uprated calipers assisted by a competition pedal box.

The Mk2 is finished with well thought out upgrades including a Coombs-style bonnet, rear spats, bespoke stainless steel exhaust, aluminium radiator, power steering, oil cooler and premium Borrani wire wheels with spinners. A bespoke wiring loom accommodates further modern conveniences such as central locking, electric windows, heated and powered seats, heated front and rear screens plus a premium audio system powered by a lightweight high-capacity battery discreetly mounted beneath the rear seats. The interior has been expertly trimmed in quality light tan leather piped in burgundy with elegant European walnut inlays and a Moto-Lita wood rim wheel completing the transformation.

Since completion, the Jaguar has been used exactly as intended, participating in intercontinental rallies and long-distance tours where it has proved fast, reliable and perfectly capable of keeping pace with modern traffic. It will be presented to the sale along with a comprehensive history file, recently serviced, detailed from bumper to bumper and with a new MOT Certificate.

This represents a rare opportunity to acquire a beautifully restored and intelligently upgraded Jaguar Mk2 that combines timeless styling with modern usability. It would be equally at home crossing continents or attending a local Concours d'Elegance and, when you consider what it would cost to replicate, appears to offer remarkable value at today's very sensible guide.