The Jaguar Mk.II was a medium size saloon built from 1959 to 1967 as a successor to the 2.4 and 3.4 models, manufactured between 1957 and 1959. The Mk.II was handsome, powerful and a good handling saloon which was offered with a choice of three six cylinder twin cam engines; 2.4 litre, 3.4 litre or 3.8 litre.
After the appreciation of the MK.I, Jaguar’s successor was well received making a good car even better. Similar in appearance, but with a bigger glass area, it boasted a wider track to improve road holding together with minor front suspension changes to reduce body roll and all-round disc rather than drum brakes.
The 210bhp 3.4 litre engine variant proved to be the most popular, offering the best compromise between performance and economy. Naturally, the performance was excellent and the Mk.II has enjoyed great success on track and can still be a very competitive historic race car. Raced by all the top drivers of the day including Graham Hill, Roy Salvadori and Michael Parkes, the Mk.II has scored victories throughout saloon car races in the sixties and was also raced across Europe in the Tour De France and Monte Carlo rally. The car gained a reputation as a capable ‘getaway car’ among the criminal underworld. It had seating for five adults and in 3.8 litre specification could outrun almost any other car on the road. Quite naturally, the Jaguar Mk.II also received acclaim amongst law enforcement forces too.
