Jaguar 340

Undoubtedly one of the greatest saloon cars of all time, the Jaguar MkII was launched to ecstatic reviews in 1959. With monumental performance for its time (the 3.8 boasted 220bhp, 125mph, 0-60 in 8.5 seconds), it had a habit of embarrassing most sportscars of the day yet could carry four adults in comfort. It quickly gained a somewhat raffish image, winning friends on both sides of the law – no sixties bank job was complete without a 3.8 getaway car and a pursuing police 3.8. 

From September 1967 the Jaguar MkII range was replaced by the 240 and 340 models with slimmer bumpers, chrome grills in place of the front fog lights and Ambla, rather than leather, interiors. Introduced to keep the range attractively priced until the launch of the new XJ6 in September 1968, some 2,788 340s were made during the period - the 240 carrying on as a budget model for some time to come.

This example has undergone a significant amount of restoration work, including the body shell which is now in excellent condition. The vendor believes that over £15,000 has been spent during a lengthy and thorough restoration, including the fitment of a 4.2 litre engine which has had specially modified polished cam covers fitted to make the engine look like the original 3.4 litre unit. Three pallets of loose parts are to be included in the sale. These include two spare engines, one of which is believed to be the original 3.4 litre motor as well as numerous trim and small body parts. These are available for collection from Gloucester by the purchaser as part of the sale. Fitted with a manual gearbox and overdrive this car represents a fantastic opportunity to take on the fun part of a restoration starting with a sound shell as a basis.