FOR SALE: 1960 Jaguar MK2 'Evolution' 4.2litre £52,495

This stunning, one-off, Jaguar MK2 was first registered in August 1960 and left the Browns Lane factory in Coventry as a 2.4 litre automatic. In recent history however it has been somewhat upgraded and is now powered by a period, but substantially modified, 4.2 litre XK unit and has a manual 4-speed all-synchro Jaguar ‘box with overdrive in top.  

Receipts in the history file show that the flywheel has been lightened and balanced and a fast road cam fitted, along with a straight port cylinder head. Open trumpets feed air into the twin 2” HD8 SU carburettors and a stainless steel six-branch manifold deals with exiting gases. Modern 123 electronic ignition now eliminates common distributor related issues from the period whilst a subtle louvered bonnet helps to dissipate heat from the engine bay (as does the upgraded alloy radiator).

With such performance upgrades under the bonnet the car has been further enhanced elsewhere mechanically by bigger brakes, an uprated anti-roll bar, a limited-slip diff and Vicarage rack and pinion steering with EZ electric assistance. GAZ shock absorbers and body coloured competition 6 x 15 outer laced wire wheels with Pirelli P4000 tyres (205/70/R15) complete the drive enhancements.

Cosmetically, although slightly more menacing than usual, to the untrained eye this MKII looks relatively standard. The more modern shade of Jaguar Indigo Blue does not look out of place and the enhancements are all very tastefully done and in keeping with what could have been period upgrades. The interior presents equally as well with perfectly lightly worn red hide and walnut veneer dash and door tops in superb condition.

On the road the performance and comfort belies the age of the car and expectation of how a MK2 should perform. The engine is sonorous and torquey across the rev range and the ride extremely compliant. Not only is there more grip from the wider sticky wheel and tyre combination, but the handling is remarkable also – the car is much more communicative than with the standard original steering box affair and the damping is very good also.

Call it a ‘restomod’ or perhaps more fittingly an  ‘evolution’ this MK2 is a very unique proposition that does not disappoint in either visual or driver appeal.

£52,495