JAGUAR Mk2 (19691968)
The Mk2 is a great buy. Here’s what you need to look out for
SUSS OUT THE SHELL Some areas are rot-prone. Starting at the front, the front body crossmember holding the front wings can rust out. If the four or five drain holes along the length of the bottom rear of the front wings where they join the floor pan have been welded shut then new sills have likely been fitted – you might even find over-sills. Cracking where the B-pillars join the sills means that there’s a weakness in the body shell, most likely due to corrosion.
HOW’S IT RUNNING?
Oil pressure should be a minimum of 40psi at 2500rpm when warm – sender units are not always accurate, but the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club has matched sets of gauges and senders if required. The XK engine has an alloy cylinder head so it already has hardened steel valve seats fitted and tolerates unleaded fuel quite happily. They do use oil, though. You’re likely to notice tappet noise and timing chains on a tired one. A harsh-sounding engine that also displays low oil pressure could have worn main bearings, especially if the rumbling gets louder under load in high gears. Likewise, if the car leaves a pool of oil when parked, it’s a fair bet that the rope rear crank seal, fitted from 1961, is leaking.
ASSESS IT INSIDE
Major cabin refurbishment can cost the thick end of four figures so check the leather and wood carefully because even minor damage can be expensive. Second-hand parts can reduce costs – a complete set of wood trim can be had for around £2000 or so – but could involve a lengthy search. A damp interior damages trim and can play havoc with the electrics so check for wet carpets and ensure that everything’s working. And many cars have been converted to an alternator set-up so it’s worth checking for this.
INSPECT IT UNDERNEATH
Starting at the rear, check for rust in the spring boxes that hold the cantilevered quarter-elliptic leaf springs. The Panhard rod mounting is welded to the floor in the right-hand wheel arch – they used to break off even when new. More cosmetically, bulging lead loading around the front sidelights is due to a reaction between different materials. Finally, door bottoms will rot out if the drain holes have become blocked, so be sure to check them.