Prior to the launch of the Mark 2 in 1959, the idea of a high-performance saloon car had never really been achieved. Here though was a car that could accommodate five in comfort, offer decent boot space and just about match an E-Type for performance, when specified with one of the hotter engines. Small wonder that the number of bank robberies doubled between 1959 and 1962 and it became a case very much of 'if you can’t beat’em, join’em', with Police forces across the country hastily trading in their asthmatic Ford Zephyrs for their own Mk2s to level the playing field.

At the top of the wish list for any budding getaway driver or pursuing Policeman was the 3.8 litre Mk2, ‘MOD’, or manual overdrive, similar to this example. With the same block, crank, connecting rods and pistons as the E-Type, the 3.8 produced more than 200 bhp and could accelerate to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds and onto a top speed of 125 mph, all in a very gentrified, burled walnut encased manner. In 2008, this particular car was further enhanced with various ‘John Coombs’ inspired modifications; bonnet louvres to assist with engine cooling, thinner rear wheel spats to give it a sportier appearance and a ‘Coombs of Guildford’ sticker in the rear window. Power assisted steering, air conditioning, a five-speed gearbox, xenon headlights, an uprated water pump, upgraded heater, and a heated rear window are also fitted, making the car a very pleasant place to spend time and a prime candidate for long distance touring. At this time, work was also done to rectify existing corrosion and the car was fully repainted.

According to the accompanying Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, this Mark 2 3.8-litre was first delivered via J.R. Inwards Ltd to a Mr C Ball Esq of Denham, Middlesex on 13th February 1963. Finished in Opalescent Golden Sand over a Red leather interior, the colour scheme it sports today, it is accompanied by its original U.K. logbook, showing that it was first registered as NMK 394 on February 25, 1963. The logbook chronicles ownership through a handful of owners leading to the acquisition of Peter Kay of Bolton in 1978, who owned the car at least through 2004. The car was later acquired by Thomas Kibling in 2008 and purchased from him by the current owner in 2015. Under his custody, HD8 SU carburettors were fitted as a further upgrade.

The car’s history file contains not only numerous to chronicle these upgrades and modifications, but also numerous MoTs from throughout its life, and its original logbook. Needless to say, this is an exciting Mark 2 that would be more than capable of transporting a family of four in both speed and style on extended road trips.

Should you want more information on the condition of this lot and or discuss the possibility of an in-situ inspection, please contact our office at +44 (0) 20 7851 7070 or email Britta Buchmann at bbuchmann@rmsothebys.com