1961 Jaguar MK2 3.8 (Manual) |

Closed Auction- Unsold

1961 Jaguar MK2 3.8 (Manual)

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Mileage~77,902
TransmissionManual with Overdrive
Engine3.8L
LocationHuntingdon

AUCTION CLOSED

1961 Jaguar MK2 3.8 (Manual)

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Automotive Editor, Photographer and Consigner

Voluptuous elegance, with a racing pedigree, the Mk2 is a firm favourite when it comes to British classics.

As a sports executive saloon, there are not many other cars from the 1960s that epitomise that description as well as the Jaguar MK2. A breed of car that was aimed at those seeking comfort and sustained performance, Jaguar's background in motorsports and engineering reinforced the brand's ever-increasing credentials. Launched during the advent of the Motorway, the 3.8 held the accolade as one of the quickest luxury four-door cars of the period, gaining a notoriety that seemed to add definite credibility.

This well-restored 1961 3.8 MK2 in British Racing Green is believed to have been imported via South Africa and has been in the UK since 1989. Following a 27-year stint with one owner, the car was bought by a notable motorsports figure, who subsequently spent £5,500 getting it up to a decent standard for road use as an occasional car. The car has seen a handful of useful additions, including electric power-assisted steering, an electronic voltage regulator and an electric sunroof. The car comes to market as a probate estate sale.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Bob the custodian, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

The car used to belong to my friend Mike, he spent a lot of time and effort getting it right.

Bob is the custodian of the car and is a well-respected race preparation specialist, with deep connections in the world of historic race track cars. This relationship is where the Jaguar enters the picture; the late Mike Blanchet, whose name was linked with Lola racing cars and a well-known motorsport consultant, this car belonged to him and is coming to market as a probate sale.

Since Mike's untimely passing, Bob has kept the car in storage, ensuring the car is ready to be used if needed. Mike used it as an occasional car as he fettled and gradually improved the car over his 4 years of ownership.

Bob

Vehicle Custodian

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Finished in British Racing Green, the rich tone suits the contours perfectly.

Wheels and Tyres

The wire wheels are in good condition, with tight spokes and a positive passing presentation. Both front items show minor hub surface corrosion but the car does also come with a pair of spare wires as part of the sale.

The car is complemented by a set of 3-year-old Michelins which are all in good shape with even wear.

Bodywork

The car sits evenly, with solid chassis and suspension mounts. The sills, inner wings and floor pan look positive. The body presentation has lasted well since its 1980s restoration, with minor signs of age coming through, mostly on the lower section of the doors.

The panel fit and shuts lines are flush, with a few age-related observations, such as a historic repair on the off-side front wing. The doors open and close without any issues, with a good set of seals noted throughout.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The handsome British Racing Green paint is resplendent and has an excellent lustre, with very little in terms of road wear damage and chips. Other than a minor paint run under the driver's door handle, there is an off-side lower B-post and front wing paint fracture, otherwise, there's very little to mark the presentation down.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass is in good shape throughout, with no notable cracks or scratches. Their rubber seals are intact too.

Some of the chrome shows light pitting, but well above the expectations of a car of this age. The left-hand side driving light has a crack, otherwise, all of the other lights and lenses are in good shape.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

A truly inviting place to be, this MK2 has a couple of useful modern concessions.

Seats and Carpets

The appealing interior is highlighted by the attractive green leather seats. The driver's seat has a typical age-related patina and is free of any significant rips. All of the other seats show lesser signs of age. It's also worth mentioning that the driver seat is slightly raised to allow a better view, having been fitted with modified seat runners.

The carpets are all damp-free and appear to be in decent order, with their carpet over-mats in a tidy state. The door cards, headlining and interior trim have been well-preserved with no significant signs of age.

Dashboard

The veneer finishing of the dashboard is positive, with the dials and control in decent shape. All controls are said to work, although the radio wasn't tested. An auxiliary power connection has been fitted.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel and gear lever appeared to have seen an upgrade, without upsetting the balance of the cabin. Both are in good shape as pictured.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The MK2's robust engineering is complemented by its successive ownership profiles.

Engine and Gearbox

One of the benefits of a motor sporting connection is evident in the car's clean bill of mechanical health. The clean presentation of the engine bodes well, as the car didn't show any problems with the extremely cold start and fired up immediately. The exhaust condensation soon cleared up, with nothing much more than a little spluttering of carbon from the pipes on start-up. No fluid leaks were noted.

The manual gearbox engages well, with a fully operational overdrive. There are no reports of a slipping clutch. Watch the video to see the car in action.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension components are in clean physical condition, with no adverse effects or knocking observed during the car's low-speed run.

Both the steering and braking systems, are fully competent and fit for purpose, with the steering said to remain true and free of vibrations on the move. No squeals or grinding was heard from the braking.

The Drive

Proven to be one of the most desirable MK2 Jaguar options available, this manual gearbox model with overdrive shouldn't disappoint any potential suitor. Its mechanical performance was seamless on the day, particularly when you consider the cold conditions.

The short drive at town speeds didn't present any issues. Once it warmed up, the engine idled smoothly, with no hesitancy or warning lights. Very much at home cruising on the Cambridgeshire plains, the 3.8-litre has plenty of potential on faster and more testing roads.

Electrics and Other

The car has seen a handful of useful modifications, including an electric power-assisted steering set-up. The original hydraulic system also comes with the car. The car has also an electronic voltage regulator fitted, as well as a fully operational electric sunroof. Other modern concessions include rear seat belts.

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History and Paperwork

The car has not only seen an extensive restoration but also comes with £5,500 of spend in the current ownership.

Believed to have been a South African import, the car was re-imported back to the UK in 1989. The car was believed to have seen a long-term owner for over 25 years until it was bought via an auction by the current registered owner. Bought in 2018, there are invoices totalling £5,500, which cover an extensive mechanical overhaul, including brake, clutch, bush, steering and hose work soon after he bought the car. In 2019, the car saw additional brake and suspension work, with regular maintenance, service and comfort upgrades carried out right up until 2022.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
01-11-2018	MOT	76,259
31-10-2018	Service	76,259
15-02-2012	MOT	75,204
14-02-2011	MOT	75,190
05-02-2010	MOT	75,012
28-01-2009	MOT	74,919
08-02-2008	MOT	74,818
19-02-2007	MOT	74,658
20-02-2006	MOT	74,393