Affordable Jaguar Mk2

How many of us wish we’d bought a Jaguar Mk2 when they were still affordable? With some lateral thinking the Mk2 experience is still within reach.

- Paul Guinness 

The rise in Jaguar Mk2 values has been well documented in recent years. Above all other classic Jaguar saloons, this was the model that first saw a surge in asking prices more than two decades ago, and it’s a trend that’s continued ever since. Perfectly restored 3.8-litre cars changing hands for £100,000 or more are not unheard of, with good examples achieving as much as half that amount. As we’ll discover further on, however, there are ways in which the Mk2 buyer can save money – even if the days of absolute bargains are well behind us.

The Mk2 was, of course, Jaguar’s big new announcement of 1959, carrying over many elements of what we now refer to as the Mk1 – including its monocoque body shell – but looking surprisingly different in overall appearance. The biggest changes were above the waistline, which saw a dramatic increase in glass area. Combined with a redesigned grille and new-look lights, the overall effect was quite dramatic.

Inevitably, however, there were plenty of familiar features, including continued use of the Mk1’s 2.4- and 3.4-litre straight-six power plants, now complemented by a range-topping 3.8-litre version. Other improvements included the standard fitment of Dunlop disc brakes, as well as a wider track for improved handling. Early cars were offered with either a Borg Warner automatic or Moss four-speed (plus overdrive) manual transmission, though the latter was swapped for a fully synchromesh Jaguar manual set-up by September 1965.

The Mk2 was discontinued by late 1967, though two re-branded versions – the Jaguar 240 and 340 – were then launched. The 240/340 interior was downgraded via the use of vinyl upholstery and poorer quality carpets in order to keep list prices as low as possible. Both models were short-lived, with the 340 disappearing in 1968 and the 240 the following year.