Jaguar MkII 3.8 Manual Overdrive

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One of the most charismatic saloon cars produced on these shores, the Jaguar MkII 3.8-Litre was launched to huge acclaim in 1959.

With stunning performance from its 220bhp straight-six engine (0-60 in 8.5 seconds), this full four-seater could embarrass most sportscars of the day and leave 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. The interior 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 60’s bank job was complete without a 3.8 fishtailing its way from the scene of the crime – often hotly pursued by another MkII that the cops had been forced to buy to keep up!

First registered in March 1961, this relatively early 3.8 has had just five owners according to the DVLA and was treated to a comprehensive restoration in the early 1990s, according to the vendor. Well maintained since, its previous owner fitted a replacement red leather interior some five years ago which still looks superb.

Recently treated to a thorough inspection and full-service by Cardiff-based specialists Andrew Wilson Ltd, it is fitted with the desirable wire wheel option and a manual four-speed gearbox with overdrive.
MOTd until February 2016, this top spec MkII 3.8 MOD ticks all the right boxes and is described by the vendor as “driving beautifully” thanks to its recent comprehensive service. The icing on the cake is a suitably devilish 666 Wiltshire number plate.