Jaguar MkII 3.4 MOD

Undoubtedly one of the greatest saloon cars of all time, the Jaguar MkII was launched to huge acclaim in 1959. 

The top-of-the-range 3.8-litre model had stunning performance from its 220bhp straight-six engine and could embarrass most sportscars of the day, leaving them trailing in its 125mph wake. Keeping everything under control were servo-assisted disc brakes all round, coil-and-wishbone independent front suspension and a leaf-sprung Salisbury rear axle with optional limited slip diff. Inside was beautifully trimmed in walnut and leather in the finest Jaguar tradition.

A huge success both on road and track, the MKII was quick to dominate contemporary saloon car racing in the hands of drivers like Stirling Moss and Roy Salvadori. No wonder it also established itself as the ultimate get-away car. With room for four burly gangsters and a big stack of loot, no sixties’ bank job was complete without a MkII fishtailing its way from the scene of the crime.

In the middle of the range was the 3.4-litre which featured the superb twin-cam 3,442cc XK engine, as used in the previous 3.4 Saloon, now retrospectively referred to as the MkI. The 3.4-litre was a particularly sweet running engine with excellent performance that was nearly a match for the 3.8 (210bhp and 120mph top speed). Production of the MkII 3.4 ended in 1967, although a cheaper version, the 340, continued to sell until 1969.

As its accompanying Heritage Certificate confirms, this particular 3.4 was despatched to distributors Ernest Hatfield Ltd of Sheffield in February 1960, while the original biuff log book shows that it was first registered to Empire Garage in Chesterfield in April of that year and then to a Mr Lowe of the same town nine months later.

The current vendor acquired the car about a year ago from noted XK dealer Charles Fripp and has rebuilt the front suspension and brakes, fitted a new carpet set, refurbished the interior woodwork, replated much of the brightwork and fitted new tyres all round. Sadly for the MkII, an E-Type Roadster has now stolen his affections and he has reluctantly decided that 111 ONU has to go.

Said to be in exceptionally sound, straight condition throughout and to drive very well indeed, this raffish MkII is taxed and MOTd and ready to fishtail away today. Just don’t forget the loot!