Jaguar 240

ENGINE 2483cc/6-cyl/DOHC POWER 133bhp@5500rpm TORQUE 146lb ft@3700rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 107mph 0-60MPH 12.5sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 18-23mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed man + O/D MoT May 2018 ODOMETER 96,170 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The engine bursts into life with the press of the starter button and idles perfectly. The 240 may lack the 3.8’s blistering performance but it’s more than capable of keeping up with modern traffic and the overdrive works perfectly. The engine feels flexible, the gearchange is good, the clutch isn’t too heavy and the non-assisted steering is taut and responsive. Cornering is excellent, with minimal body roll and no nasty creaks, bangs or any other signs of wear from the suspension. The recently rebuilt all-round disc brakes bite strongly and stop the car straight and true.

BODYWORK CHECK

We couldn’t find a spot of rust anywhere on the car. There are a couple of minor blemishes in the dark green paintwork, but it still looks superb, as does the chrome. A photographic record of work carried out on what was already a basically sound car backs up the car’s generally good overall condition. There are no dents in the panels, and the small amount of overspray on the door shuts and nearside rear passenger door would probably cut and polish out. The chrome is in good condition and there are no blemishes on the wire wheels or prominent radiator grille. The recentlooking Goodyear tyres are in good order.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

This is an entry-level, run-out 240, so what at first appears to be leather upholstery is, in fact, Ambla, not unlike what you’d find in an Austin 1300 of the period. It looks smart enough to belong in a Jaguar, though, and is in very good condition. None of the woodwork is damaged and it has retained its high varnish shine. The originallooking instruments all work and the door trims are in good order, as are the headlining and carpets. The centre console is unmarked and the period-looking radio still works perfectly well.

UNDER THE BONNET

The Jaguar’s clean and tidy engine bay suggests a history of meticulous maintenance. The radiator and associated hoses look like recent replacements and the wiring and ancillaries appear to be in good order. There’s no evidence of wear, overheating or burning/leaking oil. The overdrive works as it should and engages promptly and smoothly.

THE CCW VIEW

You could easily pay much more than this car for an even half-reasonable Jaguar Mk2. This car has been with one owner – who we understand was a mechanical engineering lecturer – for more than 30 years. It’s received plenty of mechanical and bodywork attention, including a major brake overhaul in 2016 and the paint blemishes could easily be rectified. Its history file is good, with old tax discs dating all the way back to 1976.