2025-06-20 14:21:01 | pauls writes:

Car at auction 7/25

www.tradeclassics.com/auctions/jaguar/1965-jaguar-mk2-2/

Auction description:

1965 Jaguar Mk II 3.8

Trade Classics - Online, UK

19 June - 3 July, 2025

Lot 2891

~59 Year Family Ownership Since New | Matching Numbers | Desirable Spec - 3.8 / Manual / Overdrive / Power Steering

Mileage~15,338

Transmission Manual with Overdrive

Engine 3.8L

Location Hythe

This car comes to market from family ownership from new, all ~59 years. Sold as a personal export delivery to Rhodesia, the car was re-patriated to the UK in 2014, and issued the original registration it left Coventry in of "DWK 556C". Having been passed down 3 generations, the car has seen work as necessary over the years, including an engine rebuild in South Africa, interior re-trim in grey leather and most likely body restoration at some point too. On top of the provenance, the car has the desirable 3.8L engine, manual gearbox with overdrive, and also power steering. If you've been looking for a Mk2, don't hesitate to bid on this one.

Fitted with 15" wire-wheels with chrome centres, these show in lovely condition, with no signs of any major damage. The Jaguar branded spinner centre sections show well and without concern too.

The Jaguar is fitted with Hifly tyres to the front and rear. Tread spec shows as 185/80 appear to be in great visual condition, with a decent amount of tread remaining. Both sets of tyres were dated from 2023. Please take a look at the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior of the Mercedes and a closer look at the wheels and tyres.

Bodywork

While looking over the Jaguar during our visit, we found that the car maintains good panel gaps, and the doors, bonnet, and boot open and close smoothly. There was a small ding on the rear drivers side wheel arch, one noted on the bonnet and one on the rear drivers side chrome edge. There was also a slight mark on the both central door pillars, but nothing too worrying we thought. The car has recently been through an MOT with no advisories with regards corrosion, we didn't observe anything obvious either on our visit.

The MK2 has been resprayed over its history. The paintwork has an even colour across the panels, overall showing in good condition considering it's been on the road for ~60 years. A polish to the paintwork could help bring back some of the shine to the Jag, as some paint sections showed a little flat as you'll see in the pictures. On some leading edges of panels like the bonnet and doors, you might see some older touch-up repairs as you'd expect for a car of this age.

The glass sections on the Jaguar were in reasonable condition, we didn't notice any cracks or discolouration during our visit, but did spot a scratch on both sides of the rear side passenger windows. The trim and window seals looked smart when looking over the exterior, lots of these parts have been replaced in ~2016 as per the invoices. Rear lights displayed nicely, although the front headlight had a sign of condensation behind the glass.

The front "Leaping Jaguar" bonnet ornament and Jaguar and MK2 badges all presented well but with a little patina at the rear. Chrome work showed well but would benefit from some polishing, the rear chrome work showed a little pitting.

The front seats are in lovely condition and the rear seats showed with minimal use. Neither the front and rear seating sections show any major damage or concern. All seats are finished in grey leather having previously been reupholstered. The arm rest in the rear folded and stowed without issue. A smart classic touch were the fold down tray sections on the back of the front seats.

Carpets in the front and rear of the cabin show in great condition, with the boot reflecting the same. One of the door card pockets would benefit from some restorative work, as this had a mark and slight tear noted on the drivers side section. We've captured high-resolution photos and a full interior video tour through the car.

Dashboard

The black dash inserts and walnut veneer across the centre console all appears in stunning condition with no issues to report, the trim having been re-worked in the past. Black dials with white needles looked excellent and were all functioning as expected. The odometer showed with ~15,338 miles at the time of our visit.

The dials, switches, and controls all showed well, and nothing out of keeping considering the history of the car. We noted no issues with any warning lights and the gauges were all functioning without concern when starting up the car.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

A wooden rim puts the driver in control of the Jaguar, it has minor signs of use but nothing excessive. The gear knob clearly displays the Jaguar motif and is in good condition.

Mechanics

Under the bonnet of the MK2 lies its beating heart - a smooth, responsive straight-six. Refined yet powerful and delivering that signature Jaguar growl.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine appears to be in great visual condition and presented very cleanly. The engine operated with no issues, or unusual noises. Starting up from cold, we noted no concerns and the Jaguar performed without issue when running and out on the road. The car idled smoothly and its engine was easily capable of taking the driver up to speed in no time at all. Carburettors, gasket set, cold start mechanism and spark plugs were all replaced as part of the maintenance in 2020. The car had an engine rebuild in ~2011 back in South Africa.

The overdrive was working well with the 4 speed synchromesh and showed no concerns with shifting the MK2 through to the gears.

Suspension and Brakes

We noted no knocks, bangs or issue from the suspension when we were on the road in the car, and it gave us no concerns in its performance or handling. The suspension has been previously rebuilt and includes 2 front springs which were never installed, but would further benefit the ride quality.

The brakes bring the car to a halt in a straight line with no juddering reported through the pedal, the stopping power and control felt great having been upgraded as part of its restorative works. The brakes had works carried out in 2016 and 2020 with jobs covering off replacement lines, callipers free'd up, new rear disc brakes and linkage lubrication.

The Drive

The MK2 cruises without effort, embodying the essence of a classic British sports saloon. Jeremy, the current owner tells us, "it performs so well, it's such a rewarding car. It's always started up without issue for me and brings a real sense of joy being out in it."

On the road, this stunning Jaguar drives just as beautifully as it looks. It delivers a smooth, comfortable, and confident ride, while the engine pulls powerfully and effortlessly and offers a refined driving experience.

Electrics and Other

Being a 60's car, the electrical elements are relatively simple. During our time with the vehicle we noted that all switches, dials, and gauges appear undamaged and are in good condition.

The Jaguar is complete with its original servicing book, and a handful of components and parts which include jacking point rubbers, original brake master cylinder and 2 new suspension springs which were never used from the restoration. Jeremy told us everything was in working order including the overdrive function, as far as he was aware.