1968 Jaguar Mk2 3.8 £52,995
As Ian Shaw explains, subtle modifications leave this headturning Jaguar saloon feeling like a racer for the road
This Jaguar has been thoroughly modernised. It drives superbly; it's quick, refined, comfortable and quiet, but has a wonderful soundtrack once you open the taps. If you want a totally original car, it's not for you, and the price is strong too. However, that figure reflects the small fortune that has been spent on every aspect of it. Very few Mk2s drive anything like this well. The 3.8-litre has been totally rebuilt by Chesman Engineering with electronic ignition and twin two-inch XJ6 SU carburettors. It is supremely smooth, pulls cleanly and has great performance through low and medium rpm, without need to rev higher. A Tremec five-speed gearbox gives refined cruising and should aid fuel consumption. The steering is power assisted with a higher-ratio steering box giving just 3.5 turns lock to lock. Add to that rebuilt front suspension with Harvey-bailey springs and thicker anti-roll bar, polyurethane bushes and gas-filled dampers allied to four-piston brake calipers on cross-drilled vented discs, and it feels thoroughly modern. The rear suspension boasts improved geometry, gas-filled dampers and a refurbished (limited-slip) differential. It drives more like a late-seventies XJ6; it sounds glorious on song, refined when cruising and has superb ride comfort.
The only external clues to this Mk2's modernisation are the slightly wider rear wheel arch spats. Otherwise, it's a story of detailed and accurate restoration. All the panel gaps and shutlines are straight, and the alignment of the waistline trim and bonnet closure are spot-on. The recent paintwork looks fresh and all the chrome is perfect. The car has the fulllength Everflex sunroof which looks taut from the outside, and there's no evidence of water ingress. The refurbished wire wheels are in great condition, and the four matching tyres have plenty of tread.
The interior has been recently retrimmed to a high standard. The bucket- style seats are in perfect order, as is the veneer of the dashboard, door cards and carpets. There's a touch of patina on the passenger-side facia and glovebox lid, and a just-discernible marking on the driver's door capping. The slightly smaller-diameter steering wheel (along with a competition-style isolator switch on the lower facia) gives it a Gentleman's Racer feel, yet it's superbly comfortable.
The engine looks as if it was rebuilt last week; it's spotless – no leaks, no marks. A new radiator came with the rebuild, as did a new coil with electronic ignition. The hoses are a mix of standard and braided, all the wiring is neat; fittings, clips and even individual screws are new where needed. The bodywork around the engine is equally good. On the road the oil pressure readings are correct, varying just a little from idle to mid-range, with coolant temperature being constant.
A reassuringly thick history file contains details of nine previous owners, MOT certificates back to 1991, and a photocasebook detailing bodywork restoration and performance modifications carried out by respected classic Jaguar specialists.