1965 JAGUAR Mk2 3.8
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
We had trouble starting the car for our test because the previous owner apparently removed the autochoke. The dealer has promised to rectify this before sale, however. Once warm, the engine idles well and feels powerful on the road, which isn’t surprising as it was rebuilt in 1992. This seems a well-sorted MkII; it rides very well, with no knocks from the suspension when going over bumps. The brakes don’t dart or judder, but their performance isn’t exceptional, so some new pads may be in order here. Steering is typical Sixties Jaguar – incredibly light and slightly vague – but importantly there are no bad noises when at lock. The gearshift is in good nick too, with ratios easy to find and smooth in operation. The green tint strip across the top of the windscreen may be a useful sun shade for some, but prove an annoyance even for drivers of average height who like to sit up straight when driving.
BODYWORK CHECK
This MkII has spent time in Jersey and the US and appeared in films (including the 1987 film Buster) and toured the concours circuit during the late Eighties and early Nineties before receiving some remedial paintwork in 1993. As such, the bodywork is in very good condition. The paint is virtually flawless and the glass unmarked. Some of the chrome – most likely the originals – have suffered very minor pitting, but it to would only trouble a show judge. The chrome wire wheels are suffering from minor corrosion, however.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The dashboard is in good, but not perfect condition; there are a few nicks here and there. The rest of the wood is in similar condition, if not better. The red leather seats aren’t damaged, but show an inoffensive amount of wear. The leather door cards however, are flawless, and all the switchgear and Smiths gauges seem to be working well. The steering wheel is a desirable, but aftermarket Moto Lita, but the original, larger wheel is in the boot if that’s your preference.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine bay is packed, but the pan-shaped air filter gleams. The paint in here is corrosionfree, too, though is scratched and dull. An alternator conversion, larger radiator, electric fan and oil cooler have all been fitted, which are all desirable, but the previous owner’s taste for modifications could cause issues for future maintenance.
THE CCW VIEW
This former show car is now in great condition and is optimised for occasional spirited road use. The very few minor blemishes it does have would be expensive to rectify and would only improve things marginally, so you’d really be best keeping it as it is.
Classic and Sports Car Centre, West Knapton, Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 8JB. 01944 758000, classicandsportscar.ltd.uk
Great bodywork and paint, desirable 3.8 Light interior wear, not exactly cheap