CAT SCRATCH FEVER

Jaguar’s distinctive Mark II saloon still impresses today. It was the ’60s favourite of upper-rank business folk, police forces, and bank robbers. It single-handedly created the aura of the British sporting saloon without peer, at a time when few sports cars could equal its performance. It could cruise effortlessly at 100mph (160kph) seemingly indefinitely, or carry on up to more than 125mph (200kph).

Jaguar’s competitors were dumbfounded by its ability to provide leather and walnut luxury in a technically advanced package at such bargain prices. It was Jaguar’s best-selling car from 1959 to 1967 with production reaching nearly 100,000.

Jaguar’s competitors were dumbfounded by its ability to provide leather and walnut luxury in a technically advanced package at such bargain prices

Jaguar Mark II’s competition rally and racing track successes were numerous. It tended to be overshadowed by the achievements of Jaguar’s sports models — the C, D, and E — but on the racetrack its power-to-weight ratio meant that until the arrival of the likes of Ford’s Galaxie in 1963, it was a winner the world over. As a collector’s classic, it achieved a reputation of worthwhile investment with solid rising values. It is demanding of its owners, requires deep pockets, preferably a good mechanical knowledge, and perseverance to keep it in top condition. Many owners are hooked and have, over the years, owned a number of examples