LOOK AT COMPACT JAGS
Jag’s smaller saloons find favour as the traditional sector market firms up – condition is key
‘Restoring one will never be cheap’
The 2018 auction season is building up a full head of steam, meaning more sales and consequently more cars being offered.
For buyers that’s good news. While the market has seen something of a shake-up with the rising popularity of modern classics, the more traditional classics – BMC Minis, Morris Minors and Jaguar Mk1/ Mk2 ‘compact’ saloons – continue to draw in punters.
The compact Jaguar saloon remains great value for money – its character appeals to those wanting something not only roomy but (2.4 version aside) reasonably rapid too. Those familiar with the Mk2 models usually favour a 3.4-litre over a 3.8, the bigger-engined model offering little more in terms of performance but also being significantly more thirsty.
While it’s early days in the 2018 auction calendar, some examples have already been offered, and they’re on the rise.
Anglia Car Auctions had a 1967 run-out 340 model make £13,250. There were more in February for stronger money – Barons sold a 1963 2.4 and a 1965 3.8, Mathewsons a 1969 240. While there’s a belief that the 2.4 and the last 240 and 340 models are not wanted, it’s clear that some enthusiasts find the smallest-engined model perfectly adequate for their needs, while the last cars’ thin bumpers and Ambla interior don’t put all buyers off.
As a result Barons’ 1963 2.4, in 2/2+ order, made £21,450 and Mathewsons’ 1969 240 was away for £11,600, proof positive (especially with the Barons’ car) that condition is vital if a car is going to make top dollar. Barons’ 1965 3.8 also broke the £20,000 barrier, which was away for £20,350.
Brightwells wasn’t far behind, earlier this month, with its 1964 3.4, an older restoration that was smart enough to make a premium-inclusive £18,700, the price helped not only by its condition but plenty of bills showing regular maintenance.
As with any other classic, history will always help sell, but the costs of restoring a Mk1/Mk2 means that most would-be owners would rather buy a ready-to-go car.
Projects aren’t uncommon in auctions but restoring a compact Jaguar is never going to be cheap. On the positive side the spares situation is good, but being structurally complicated they’ll absorb a lot of labour to put right. However, wise buyers will seek out those ‘right’ cars when they come to auction and land a first-rate buy.