1963 Jaguar MkII 3.4 Saloon

Description

Unveiled in October 1959, Jaguar’s Mark II addressed all the shortcomings of the earlier model, particularly criticism of the high-speed handling, overcome by widening the rear track. With slimmer pillars and greater glass area, the Mark II also boasted a much lighter cabin featuring a redesigned instrument panel, still with a traditional rich timber veneer, but a much-improved layout. Mechanical changes included Dunlop four-wheel disc brakes as standard equipment and the Mark II was sold with three different engine capacities right from the outset: the 2.4, 3.4 and new 3.8 variant of the classic straight six, the latter transforming the Jaguar into a very rapid saloon indeed, one capable of reaching speeds in excess of 200 km/h. Indeed a 3.8-litre Mark II was the fastest four-door car on the market in the early 1960s and proved equally popular with both sides of the law, while the 3.4 was only marginally slower. When specified with the 3.4-litre engine, the Mark II featured twin SU HD6 carburettors and was rated at 210 horsepower, optional equipment including a ‘Powr-Lok’ limited slip diff as standard and the English-built Borg-Warner automatic transmission (with the quadrant relocated from the centre of the dash to the steering column). Contemporary road testers sang the praises of Coventry’s latest model, commending the effortless performance, sure-footed handling and generous equipment levels. The Jaguar Mark II also enjoyed a long and successful competition career, particularly in touring car races England and Australia and examples can still be found competing in historic events around the world today. With almost 90,000 built in ten years of production, the Mark II was a genuine sales success and is still regarded by many Jaguar enthusiasts as perhaps the finest saloon ever to wear the leaping cat. No Jaguar better epitomizes the “Grace, Pace and Space” catchcry used in period advertising and the Mark II remains an eminently usable classic saloon today, with excellent support provided by the many clubs and specialists around Australia.