1964 Jaguar 3.8 MKII

The Jaguar Mark 2 was a progressive development of the Mark I and the company's first unitary construction saloon. Making its debut in October of 1959, its windscreen pillars were slimmer, deeper side windows greatly enlarged the glass area, and the predecessor's full-sized rear wheel spats were removed allowing the rear track to be widened, and increased roll resistance and stability. The running gear remained similar to the Mark I, with independent front suspension by wishbones and coil springs, leaf-sprung live rear axle, and Dunlop servo-assisted disc brakes (optional at first on the Mark 1 but standard from November 1957) on all four wheels. The interior featured a redesigned dashboard with a speedometer and rev-counter positioned ahead of the driver. Minor gauges grouped centrally became Jaguar's standard layout for years to come.

With the Mark 2's arrival, the 3.8-liter version of Jaguar's XK 'six' became available for the first time in the company's medium-sized saloon. The engine was previously used in the Mark IX saloon, and developed 220 horsepower at 5,500 RPM, giving the Mark 2 a top speed of 125 mph. Transmission options were a four-speed manual (with or without overdrive) or Borg-Warner automatic gearbox, an improved all-synchromesh version of the former being specified from 1965.

Production of the 3.8 ceased in the autumn of 1967, with the sale of the 3.4 continuing on as the 340 until September 1968. The 2.4 continued as the 240 until April 1969. There was no direct successor to the Mark 2 series.

1964 Jaguar Mk II
The 3.8-liter engine had dual overhead camshafts, cast-iron block and aluminum-alloy head, seven main bearings, solid valve lifters, two SU side-draft carburetors, and delivered 220 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. Overdrive was standard and an automatic was optional. Power steering and disc brakes were standard equipment. The Mark II measured 180.75 inches in length while the longer 'S' version measured 187.75 inches. The standard 3.8 MKII had a factory base price of $5,220 and the 'S' listed for $5,850.

Stylistic differences of the 'S' were a unique red-end appearance with a straight decklid, flattened wheel openings, shrouded headlamps, teardrop-shaped turn signal indicators outside the parking lights, and slimmer bumpers. The interior dashboard had walnut in its center and was devoid of the leather covering on the standard model.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2020