Few automotive industry facelifts have been as successful as the transition from Jaguar Mark 1 to Mark 2. On paper, a refreshed design that incorporated more glass, a wider rear axle, and the fitment of disc brakes appear to be relatively modest changes. However, especially when fitted with the largest available 3.8-litre straight-six, these modifications were enough to create what is still considered 60 years later to be one of the all-time great sporting saloons.

According to the accompanying Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, this right-hand-drive Mark 2 holds a 23 April 1963 date of manufacture. Chassis 230673 DN was desirably specified, the factory fitting the enlarged 3.8-litre XK motor that sent approximately 220 horsepower to the rear wheels. This was paired with a four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive. Finished in Opalescent Dark Green to complement a Suede Green leather interior, this example was delivered to the Henlys dealership in London on 2 May.

The car was registered the following month to Mr David John Taylor, who was based in Jaguar’s home city of Coventry. Remarkably, the Mark 2 remained with its original owner all the way through to September 2006, at which point it was transferred to Hurst Park Automobiles of East Molesey, Surrey. Subsequently sold to Mr Armand Blaton of Loyers in Belgium, this 3.8-Litre Saloon joined The Best of British Collection in October 2012.

More recently, the Jaguar has been maintained by English luxury car specialist Clark & Carter Restorations. A February 2020 invoice from the Braintree-based outfit totals £31,928. That figure covered the cost of a mechanical overhaul for the engine, gearbox, and overdrive, while the carburettors, suspension, and front brakes were rebuilt. Alongside bodywork care, the underside was cleaned and treated while various pieces of interior trim were refreshed.

Presented today in its original colour combination, this desirable overdrive-equipped Jaguar Mark 2 notably retains its matching-numbers engine, which is particularly appealing here in most potent 3.8-litre guise.