Jaguar MkII 240 Saloon

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.

The entry level model was the 2.4-litre which was virtually identical in every way to the 3.8 apart from the smaller engine. Although the 2.4 is often unkindly thought of as being a trifle underpowered, in reality it performed well for the period being capable of a genuine 100mph and was only shown up against its brawnier 3.4 and 3.8 siblings – although some would argue that the lighter engine gave it better handling.

In September 1967 the MkII cars were re-labelled the 240 and the 340 (the 3.8-litre was discontinued) and were fitted with straight-port cylinder heads and new carburettors which increased power significantly – the 240 going from 120bhp to 133bhp. To keep costs down the new cars had Ambla rather than leather interiors and the Armco-like bumpers were replaced by much slimmer items.

This particular 240 is a very special car indeed as the 1002 chassis number reveals it to be only the second example made. As chassis number 1001 no longer exists, it is therefore the oldest surviving 240. The accompanying Heritage Certificate shows that the car was built on 15th August 1967 and was finished in Warwick Grey with a red Ambla interior and a manual overdrive gearbox.

It was supplied via Glovers of Ripon to Jaguar dealers Sherwood Brothers of Darlington who sold it to first owner Mr AE Densham of Darlington in October 1967. He kept the car until 1975 when ownership transferred to another gentleman who was to keep it right up until 2007 when the current vendor acquired it. The indicated mileage of some 87,000 is said to be the genuine distance covered from new.

Between 1992 and 1993 the car was sympathetically restored with new inner and outer sills, new jacking points, crow’s feet, rear wheel spats and a rear spring hanger. More recently a new fuel tank, new radiator, electric cooling fan, new clutch and new carpets have also been fitted along with four new tyres and a stainless steel exhaust. A wood-rim sports steering wheel is also fitted although the original wheel is included in the sale.

Kept as part of a small collection of classics, the car has only been sparingly used since the restoration was completed and it remains in good condition throughout. Said to drive very well, it is taxed until June 2014 and MOTd until next July with no advisories recorded.

With just three owners from new and being the earliest 240 surviving, this car is sure to be of interest to any Jaguar collector.