INSPECT THE UNEXPECTED
Six decades on from its Cooper is to to the Mini. Jaguar Mk2 what John by the late, great racer John Coombs is to the 3.8 Mk2 improved upon the wheel of a unique launch, we get behind
Seemingly as long as there’s been a classic car hobby, so too there has been a love affair among enthusiasts with Jaguar’s range of compact saloons. Sharing the same twin-cam engine powering the marque’s game-changing XK sports cars, plus Le Mans winning C- and D-types, these cars’ impressive go is melded with an unparalleled blend of ride quality and road holding. That they also look good and are luxuriously appointed inside all meant for a winning combo.
Racing driver turned team owner, John Coombs, certainly thought so – his raceprepared saloons dominated British and European touring car championships during the early 1960s and the tussles that his cars – driven by the likes of Graham Hill and Roy Salvadori – had with Equipe Endeavours’ own Jaguars cemented their legend.
The original Jaguar 2.4-Litre (today known as the MkI) debuted in 1955 and was joined by the 3.4-Litre in 1957. However, the Mk2 of 1959 represented a major overhaul of the existing format. The rear track was widened to further improve handling and it had both a larger glass area and standard four-wheel disc brakes. However, it was the addition of the famous long-stroke 3.8-litre straight-six engine that transformed the Mk2 into a 1950s super-saloon. And yet, despite being the world’s
fastest production saloon, there were those among Jaguar’s clientele that desired more.
As well as running a successful racing team, Coombs Jaguar in Guildford also offered a package of improvements that made the Mk2 3.8 even faster and addressed its limited shortcomings. It’s estimated that between 30 and 40 cars were converted in varying degrees (customers had a list of option from which to choose, so no two Coombs Mk2s are the same), but 38 BUY is unique.
Classic Motor Car (CMC)’s Production Director, Tim Griffin, says: ‘It’s pretty much had the book thrown at it – almost every option on Coombs’ list was checked.’
CMC has been the brains and brawn behind the restorations of some historically significant Jaguars over the years – among them 9600HP, the oldest surviving E-type and Geneva launch car – and restored this Coombs Mk2 some nine years ago.
Having an intimate knowledge of 38 BUY, Tim has offered to be our guide to understanding what makes a Coombs Mk2 so special.