1960 JAGUAR MKII 3.8

This Jaguar MkII ticks all the boxes to offer its next owner a stylish classic saloon with brisk performance, perfect for touring or to display at national events. With its legendary straight-six XK 3.8-litre engine mated to a four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive, this recently restored example is on-the-button and ready to enjoy.

First registered on 25 March 1960, 146 UYY is a genuine UK-specification, right-hand-drive 3.8-litre variant, which was exported to Italy in the 1990s. More recently, it was subject to an extensive body-off restoration, and was re-imported to Britain in 2017. Now showing 4,368 miles since the comprehensive refurbishment, it exudes a handsome patina.

While it originally left the factory equipped with the Borg Warner automatic transmission – as denoted by the ‘BW’ of the chassis number – this car has since been converted to a more involving manual Moss gearbox.

With the coachwork finished in classic British Racing Green, the finish presents very well as you would expect from a recent restoration, with smooth panels and excellent chrome detailing throughout. Clearly refurbished to a high standard, the only imperfection reported by the vendor is a minor mark to the bottom of the passenger door. The 15-inch chrome wire wheels are in generally excellent condition, with only a few patches of superficial rust on the spokes.

The interior is beautifully trimmed in soft tan leather, perfectly complementing the deep green exterior. The leather has mellowed with age and use over the last few years, to create a classy cabin with a ‘barely worn’ appearance. The vendor notes that it also features the rare Reutter reclining front seats. Its wood veneer inlays are in very good condition, showing only a few superficial marks, while the smart dashboard houses a well organised set of instruments and switches. There are no known faults with any of the electrics, with all features and controls working as they should.

Subject to a major service in July 2020 by Marathon Motors, £3,722 was spent to ensure this MkII was in excellent running order. It consisted of a full engine oil service, carburettor rebuild, fresh gearbox and differential oils, a new coil pack, repairs to the wiring, and new wiring to the oil pressure switch and water temperature gauge. The steering idler arms were renewed, along with the steering pins, and a new aluminium radiator was fitted.

MOT exempt on the basis of age, the last test was undertaken on 7 February 2020 at an indicated 4,201 miles, resulting in a pass with no advisories whatsoever. The period-style Michelin tyres are thought to have been fitted seven years ago as part of the restoration and remain in very good condition.

Supplied with its original Jaguar handbook, as well as Italian motor club records and papers, the folder of documents also contains maintenance invoices and DVLA correspondence since returning to the UK in 2017. Also present in the boot is the original jack, copper mallet and even an original and partially complete tool box.

Perhaps best known in popular culture as the epitome of the 1960s ‘getaway car’, the Jaguar MkII is an iconic classic. This particular car, with the desirable 3.8-litre engine and a later Moss manual gearbox conversion, is a great driver’s car, and its recent restoration means it also presents superbly throughout. It would be a fine addition to any marque collection, or a very accessible introduction to classic Jaguar ownership.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history where available. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.