New Zealand’s Beacham Jaguar has earned a strong reputation for restoring and tastefully upgrading classic Jaguars, offering the aesthetics of the originals with modern safety and performance equipment. This beautifully presented Mark 2 is a splendid example of the firm’s quality work.

Originally completing assembly in March 1961, chassis no. P 216447 BW was finished in Opalescent Gunmetal with a red interior and equipped with wire wheels. Two months later the car was dispatched for retail to Jaguar Cars New York. In the early 2000s, the Mark 2 underwent a complete restoration at Beacham Jaguar. Numerous components from a modern Jaguar XKR were installed, including a supercharged all-aluminum 4-liter V-8 engine capable of developing 390 hp and 387 foot-pounds of torque. The engine was mated to a ZF five-speed automatic transmission, while modern equipment such as a fully independent rear suspension, stainless-steel dual exhaust system, and AP Racing brakes were added. Performance was further bolstered with cooling louvers on the hood, cooling vent under the front bumper, modern electric fan, and a trunk-mounted battery.

The interior was fitted with new tan leather upholstery; power seats, windows, and mirrors; and modern air-conditioning. A restored walnut-veneer dashboard and center console were installed, along with a Jaguar-badged sound system with six-CD changer and a modern SRS airbag. The elegant coachwork was refinished in flamenco- red metallic paint, and wider chrome wire wheels were shod with Pirelli P6000 tires.

After completing modifications in 2004, the Mark 2 was acquired a year later by a California-based enthusiast who retained possession until 2018. The car remains in fresh condition, ready to be enjoyed on modern roads. An exceptional work of craftsmanship by Beacham, this beautiful Mark 2 is engineered to be experienced and would make a wonderful acquisition for any marque enthusiast.