Jaguar MkII 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 MkII 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.

Dating from 1968, this particular 340 has had just three owners from new, the first two of whom kept it for over 20 years each, and has clearly been a much-loved machine. A real driver’s car, it was long ago fitted with a larger 3.8-litre engine and a leather interior. It also benefits from a full synchromesh gearbox with overdrive and power steering. The car was subject to a bare metal nut and bolt rebuild by its last owner in the late eighties with many new parts including a new fuel tank, new springs, all brake parts and dampers and a stainless steel exhaust.

There are many invoices in a large history file that show nearly everything that could be replaced was – badges, door rubbers, chrome, the lot. The engine was rebuilt (rings, shells, mains etc.) and is said to have excellent oil pressure at all times. All the front suspension was powder coated and new wire wheels were fitted. A new clutch was fitted in 2010. A quick totting up of the bills shows at least £10,000 spent on parts alone with various Jaguar specialists.

The vendor states that: “Although not perfect, overall this car is in lovely condition. The Old English White paint is very good although you can just see the wheel spats are a very slightly different shade of white. The chrome is great all round and the presentation under the bonnet is excellent. I’ve fitted new tyres all round. Inside the wood has been restored and the blue leather has the right patina but is still supple. Power steering and the later gearbox with overdrive make it a delight to drive with ample power and easy manoeuvrability. Loping along in overdrive it isn’t even all that thirsty.”

Currently taxed and with an MOT until June, it is due to be driven some 50 miles to the sale and is ready for a proud fourth owner to drive away today