Jaguar’s lovely and athletic mid-sized saloon first appeared as a 1956 model, and it offered several landmark features. It was Jaguar’s first unitized-construction automobile, and it introduced a 2.4-litre version of the immortal XK series twin-camshaft engine, which had heretofore been limited to sports models like the XK 120, into a four-door, multi-passenger automobile. In ensuing years, ever-larger engines were installed, such as the 3.4-litre in 1957 and the 3.8-litre in 1959. The latter powerplant coincided with a revamping of the body and chassis, becoming known as the Mark II, with the earlier cars now being identified as Mark I’s.

The Mark II version also featured larger windows and additional chrome trim. They soon became very popular amongst business executives, celebrities, and the occasional constabulary, as they offered strong performance, excellent brakes and finely finished interiors. As such, they often appeared in film and television, and excellent examples remain much in demand today.

This lovely example has been cosmetically restored and is presented in gunmetal gray metallic with red leather interior and red Wilton wool carpets. This Jaguar is reported to be equipped by its original 3.8-liter, 190 horsepower inline six-cylinder engine that is a DOHC configuration with twin SU sidedraft carburetors. Additional features include the Mark II being a left-hand drive layout with an automatic transmission, power steering, heater, chrome knock-off wire wheels fitted with wide whitewall tires, aftermarket air conditioning, modern Blaupunkt AM/FM radio with CD player, dual fender-mounted rearview mirrors, Smiths instrumentation, wood interior trim elements, front-mounted badge bar, MSD ignition and four-wheel disc brakes. This well-respected British saloon is accompanied by a Jaguar spare parts catalog binder, service manual binder, wheel knock-off mallet and car cover.

This power-packed “sleeper” is sure to delight any enthusiast who desires crushing the self-esteem of more exalted saloon drivers. This comfortable, fast, and very usable Jaguar is capable of showing its heels to many modern saloons and sports cars alike.