2013-06-10 07:33:32 | pauls writes:

Car to be at auction 6/10/13
www.bonhams.com/auctions/20928/lot/146/

Auction description:
15 Jun 2013 15:00 BST Oxford
Collectors' Motor Cars
Lot 146
1963 Jaguar Mk2 3.8-Litre Sports Saloon
Registration no. 826 JGU
Chassis no. 231434DN
Engine no. LC7626-9
Estimate:
£18,000 - 22,000
€21,000 - 26,000
US$ 28,000 - 34,000

Representing the Jaguar Mk2 in its ultimate, 3.8-litre, overdrive-equipped configuration, this example comes with documentation stating that it was specially built for first owner Mr Kenneth S Hurrey, winner of the 2,500-mile Copenhagen European Rally at the wheel of a 3.4-litre Jaguar. As delivered, the engine, gearbox and steering box were said to be all 'basically E-type' and the compression ratio around 10:1. The rear axle too was similarly described, though given that the E-Type had independent rear suspension and the Mk2 did not, this seems unlikely. Equipped with twin SU carburettors, the engine was described as 'docile in traffic' yet delivering 'outstanding performance if required.' Originally registered '1 AML', the Jaguar was next registered to Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd in April 1976 (to facilitate their acquisition of the registration mark) and then in September that same year, having been reregistered '826 JGU', passed to its second private owner, Mr E C G Hulbert.

The aforementioned document records the car's maintenance history from September 1976 (at an indicated 103,043 miles) to November/December 1977. It also states that the engine had been completely re-conditioned at 80,000 miles and that when the original gearbox failed it had been replaced with an all-synchromesh unit from a 1966 3.8-litre S-Type. In addition there is a copy of a letter on file from Kenneth Hurrey to Mr Hulbert confirming the car's origins.

The current vendor acquired the Jaguar from a Mr Richard Williams of Cardiff in November 1987 and proceeded with a 'bare metal' restoration plus refurbishment of all mechanical and electrical items. In daily use, '826 JGU' was subsequently treated to another bare metal repaint and given a new interior, all wood and leather being renewed, and new brightwork (bumpers, trim, etc). As the car was a 'daily driver' it was decided to equip it with an SNG Barratt power steering rack (professionally fitted) and electronic ignition, while new stainless steel wire wheels were fitted four years ago. The Jaguar has seen little use since then because of the vendor's ill health but has nevertheless been carefully stored and maintained. It has been featured in various films, on BBC TV's Crimewatch and in 'Classic Car Mart' magazine. Described as in generally good/excellent condition, this unique 3.8-litre Mk2 is offered with the aforementioned documentation, photocopies of the original logbook and old Swansea V5, current MoT/tax and V5C.