Launched in 1959, the Jaguar Mark 2 offered a noticeably improved driving experience over its predecessor courtesy of revised front suspension geometry, widened rear track, and four-wheel disc brakes. Ergonomic improvements were achieved by increasing the cabin glass area by almost 20%, whilst narrower front and central body pillars gave the car a more refined appearance. The evergreen Jaguar XK engine was employed once again, with a 220 bhp, 3.8-litre high-performance version—poached from the leviathan Mark 4 saloon—being available in a ‘mid-range’ Jaguar saloon for the first time, in addition to the 2.4- and 3.4-litre options carried over from the Mark 1.

With spirited 125 mph performance, including a 0–60 mph time of 8.5 seconds, the 3.8 was immediately in demand, and manual-transmission-equipped examples remain amongst the most desirable. Significantly, this is an extremely late example and is believed to be the second-youngest RHD 3.8-litre manual Mark 2 in existence, the youngest residing with the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust. Delivered new to New Zealand, its first owner, Harvey Hingston, registered chassis no. 235338 on 30 November 1967 as shown by the original logbook. This example was ordered new in stunning deep gloss Black over a tasteful Oxblood Red leather interior and is presented beautifully in these colours today after a full restoration in 2011/2012; details of this restoration can be found in the extraordinary history file, which contains the original books and invoices going back to 1970 and a JDHT certificate confirming its matching-numbers engine.

Everywhere you look, the signs of a well-loved and truly cherished automobile are evident, from the original leather of the seats to the classic knock-off wire wheels. This is without doubt one of the finest Mark 2s offered to market in recent years and would rightfully deserve its place in any major Jaguar collection.