1962 Jaguar Mark II

The medium-sized Jaguar MK. II saloon was built between 1959 and 1967 in Coventry as successors to the Jaguar 2.4 liter and 3.4-liter models manufactured between 1957 and 1959. Retrospectively, these models became known as the Jaguar Mk. I following the introduction of the Mk. II in 1959. Adhering to Sir William Lyons' maxim of 'grace, pace and space', the Jaguar Mk. II was an elegant, stylish, fast, and capable saloon. The 3.8-liter model was particularly fast with its 220bhp engine giving a standing start of 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds and to a top speed of 125mph.

Jaguar's sports car racing success and the popularity of the Mark VII Saloon were instrumental in establishing the company's reputation for producing the very best sporting and luxury cars at an exceptional value for the money. Near the close of 1955, the company announced the Mark 1 Saloon and was the first production Jaguar to employ the unibody monocoque method of construction in which the shell doubled as the chassis. This configuration reduced weight and enhanced structural rigidity, effectively creating the world's first sport sedan. The initial 2.4-liter powerplant was replaced by a 3.4-liter unit in 1957, followed by a 3.8-liter version in 1959.

The Mark 2 Saloon had larger windows, more slender roof supports, and a redesigned and updated interior. Mechanically, the rear axle was much wider, and its performance was drastically increased. The 2,483 cubic centimeter engine developed 120 horsepower and the 3,442 cubic centimeter version from the Jaguar XK offered 220 horsepower. The 3.8 was similar to the one used in the 3.8 E-Type (known as the XKE in the United States), with the same block, connecting rods, pistons, and crank but its carburetor setup and inlet manifold were different. It used two SU HD6 carburetors in the 3.4- and 3.8-liter versions, while the European E-Type was equipped with three. The 2.4-liter engine was fitted with twin Solex carburetors. The Mark 2 had curved ports while the E-Type had straight ports.

Four-wheel disc brakes provided the stopping power and provided additional performance compared to the previous drum brake setup. The 3.8-liter version came with a limited-slip differential, and automatic transmission, overdrive, or power steering were optional equipment. Minor front suspension changes resulted in reduced body roll, however, it continued to use a live rear axle.

Production of the Jaguar Mark II lasted from 1959 through 1967 with 83,976 examples built. It was replaced by the 240 and 340 which were essentially the same car in many respects, and production lasted from 1967 through 1969 with 7,234 examples built.

The Mark 2 was voted 'Car of the Year' in 1959 and would form the mainstay of Jaguar's saloon car production until 1967.

by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2021