Jaguar’s success in sports car racing and the success of their Mark VII Saloon established their reputation for producing the very best sporting and luxury cars at an exceptional value for the money. Towards the end of 1955, the company announced what was retrospectively dubbed the Mark 1 Saloon. The unibody monococque method of construction was a first for Jaguar, as it was a type of manufacture in which the shell doubled as the chassis. This not only saved weight, but its advanced design also enhanced structural rigidity, effectively creating the world’s first sport sedan. It was originally offered with the 2.4-liter powerplant, but the 3.4-liter and 3.8-liter engine joined the range in 1957 and 1959, respectively.

In 1959, Jaguar introduced the improved and still very attractive Mark 2 Saloon. The windows were larger, the roof supports were more slender, and the interior was redesigned and updated. Mechanically, the rear axle was much wider, and its performance was drastically increased. It was therefore no surprise when London gangsters adopted the Mark 2 as their fast transport, followed by the police commissioning a fleet, so they could keep pace!

The Mark 2 3.8 Saloon offered here is, in all likelihood, one of the finest remaining, as it has been restored to exhaustive standards, which is seldom seen on this model. Its photo-documented restoration led to a perfect 100-point score in the Jaguar Club of North America’s national competition two times. The body is finished in elegant Regency Red over tan leather; the interior is fitted with period air conditioning and acres of spectacular hides and walnut; and the chrome wire wheels are shod with wide whitewall tires. Needless to say, the car is accompanied by copies of its JCNA judging sheets, which document its scores, and a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, which confirms that it is matching numbers.

This Mark 2 is an example of an exceptional, jewel-like restoration on a car that is rarely seen brought to this level of concours condition, making it an ideal vehicle for the Jaguar aficionado who seeks to add an outstanding saloon to their collection. It is comfortable, fast, and beautiful, and even though half the trunk is already filled with trophies, there is still room for plenty more.