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2019 Shannons Melbourne Summer Classic Auction
Lot
14

1962 Jaguar MK II 'Improved' 3.8 'Manual' Saloon

$37,000

Sold

Specifications

Engine 3.8 litre six-cylinder
Gearbox Four-speed manual with overdrive
Body Work Sedan
Colour British Racing Green
Interior Beige
Trim Leather
Wheels Wire wheels
Brakes Disc/disc

Description

This lot is no longer available

The Mark II is still regarded by many as Jaguar's finest sports saloon, combining all the style, performance and charm the company has become renowned for. Derived from the original Mark 1, itself launched in 1955, the Mark II had a host of improvements including a wider rear track to improve handling and a greater glass area, with slimmer pillars, for better visibility. Inside, the Mark II had a redesigned instrument panel that retained the traditional rich timber veneer but had a more ergonomic layout, along with better heating and ventilation. The Jaguar performed better on the road as well, thanks to the introduction of disc brakes all round and the option of a new 3.8-litre version of the legendary XK straight six. In manual form, a 3.8-litre Mark II was - for a time - the fastest four-door saloon on the road and popular with the law and those on the wrong side of it alike, not to mention in tintop racing where it dominated in the hands of the likes of Bob Jane and David McKay. The Mark II has also been a star in films like 'Get Carter' with Michael Caine, not to mention the long running Television series of Inspector Morse. This car remains one of the most desirable and sought after to wear the famous leaping cat and good examples of the rarer manual 'box version, as here, still command a premium over automatic models.