Grace, Space, and Pace

1960 Jaguar Mark II

1:24 | $30

A car that is comfortable, beautiful and offers scintillating performance in one package is a rare thing, but Jaguar figured out the elusive formula back in 1960 with its sensational Mark II. Jaguar’s ad slogan summarized it perfectly: “Grace … Space … Pace.”At the heart of the Mark II is the same XK Inline-6 that powered its world-renowned sports cars throughout the ’50s and ’60s.

The top option was a version of the 3.8L found under the bonnet of the legendary E-Type, producing 220hp. But no E-Type came with the comfort and features of the Mark II, including fold-down trays for rear-seat passengers, while the driver got the convenience of power steering and available automatic transmission. Function before form this car is not, however. Beautiful curves and smooth lines trace back from its distinct vertical grille bracketed by narrowly set headlights and driving lights. WhiteBox’s 1:24 scale model shows off the crafty combination of pace and spacein a shape that exudes grace.—