Jaguar MkII 3.8

Has there ever been a more beautiful saloon than the Jaguar MkII? Launched in 1959 it immediately became a runaway best seller and its looks still turn heads to this day.

Indeed Jaguar design director, Ian Callum, has been in the news recently because he has just bought an old MkII and has now entrusted it to CMC in Bridgnorth with the aim of improving on perfection. “The MkII is one of the best-looking saloons ever created but, as a designer, naturally I want to change a number of details,” said Callum. “My donor car will be modified in many areas, both aesthetically and technically. The stance of the MkII is already excellent but I wish to make it even better. The next job is simplifying the car in many areas of exterior trim. I need to be very judgemental and work out what in my mind is superfluous and what’s not. The interior will go through a number of changes as well.”

We can’t wait to see what Callum comes up with. But in the meantime, why don’t you take him on at his own game? It would be a crime to customise an original MKII but the one you see here is just begging to be given a makeover as it has already been modified in America, including a louvred bonnet, a sunroof and a whopping big V8 engine.

As the accompanying Heritage Certificate confirms, this left-hand drive MkII 3.8 Automatic was delivered new to Jaguar Cars of New York in August 1964. It came back to the UK in the early 1990s and has not yet been registered here although all duties have been paid. Said to be in “basically sound” condition, it is being offered here at no reserve and will make a great project for someone.