JAGUAR Mk2

Following on from what we now refer to as the Mk1, the new-for-1959 Jaguar Mk2 took what was already a handsome, top-performing model and transformed it into one of the most desirable Jaguar saloons of all time. The Mk2’s star continues to shine bright in the 21st century, with many enthusiasts still citing it as their top ‘compact’ Jaguar. For those who’ve yet to own one, however, does life with a Mk2 really live up to the hype?

One of the biggest issues with the Mk2 is its relative lack of affordability, with other similarly-sized Jaguars of the 1960s – particularly the S-Type and later 420 – being available at much lower prices. Such is the Mk2’s immense talent and enviable style, however, it’s easy to see why fans with sufficient funds are willing to invest in the best-restored examples.

Although the Mk2 carried over many elements of its predecessor’s monocoque bodyshell, it was surprisingly