ABSOLUTE CLASSIC
From the start of the classic car boom in the 1980s to the present day, this all-time great’s star has continued to shine brightly. This is the car that Jaguar enthusiasts often cite as their top choice saloon model, its combination of glorious styling, suitably upmarket interior and superb driving style making it the default choice for many. Such demand has inevitably had an effect on Mk2 prices in the 21st century, although – as we’ll discover further on – there are ways in which Mk2 fans can save money.
The Mk2 was Jaguar’s big new announcement of 1959, and despite carrying over many elements of its predecessor’s monocoque bodyshell, it was surprisingly different in overall appearance. The biggest changes were above the waistline, which saw a dramatic increase in glass area; the side windows were deeper, the windscreen was larger and the rear screen was of a wrap-around design. Combined with a redesigned grille and new-look lights, the overall effect was quite dramatic, with the Mk2 having the appearance of a genuinely new car.
Mechanically, there were plenty of familiar features, including continued use of the Mk1’s 2.4- and 3.4- litre straight-six powerplants, now complemented by a range-topping 3.8-litre version. Other improvements included the standard fitment of Dunlop disc brakes, as
