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Curated Auction

1962 Jaguar MK II 3.8

At a Glance

£17k Mechanical Restoration in 2017 | Long Term Owners | Excellent Presentation | Magazine Featured | All Synchro Manual | Power Steering | Finance Available

  • Mileage~93,086 on the clock
  • Transmission4-Speed Manual with O/D
  • Engine3.8-litre
  • LocationAlcester, Warwickshire

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more


Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

Days
HRS
MIN
SEC
CURRENT BID£10,000
See Bidding

AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£10,000

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Editor and Photographer

The definitive 1960s British sports saloon with classic motorsport heritage.

Introduced in late 1959, the Jaguar Mk II redefined the high-performance saloon by pairing executive luxury with sports car agility. Evolving from earlier models with slimmer window pillars that improved all-round visibility, it reached its zenith in 3.8-litre form, capable of exceeding 120 mph. This potency translated directly into European touring car dominance at the hands of drivers such as Roy Salvadori and Graham Hill, forging a dual reputation as both the ultimate gentleman's express and the favoured getaway car of the 1960s British underworld.

At the heart of this performance was Jaguar’s twin-cam straight-six engine, fed by twin SU carburettors and mated to a four-speed manual transmission with optional Laycock de Normanville overdrive. Standard four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes offered pioneering, fade-free stopping power, while a widened rear track corrected the high-speed handling traits of its predecessor. Suspended via independent front coils and a live rear axle on semi-elliptic springs, the chassis worked alongside recirculating-ball steering to deliver high-speed stability, linear power, and refined poise.

This 1962 3.8-litre example, upgraded with a later all-synchromesh manual gearbox, is finished in Carmen Red with a leather red interior. Exceptionally well presented, it boasts an impressive provenance with just four previous long-term owners and benefits from a £17,000 mechanical overhaul carried out in 2017. The vehicle features several discreet upgrades, including an electric choke, central locking and a full remote alarm system.

Backed by invoices and receipts stretching back to 1995, this show-winning car has featured in several classic vehicle publications, includes two sets of keys, and is both MOT and road tax-exempt.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Steve on behalf of the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

We were attracted to the walnut cabin, effortless power, and head-turning classic style.

The registered owners acquired the car in 2019, drawn by its excellent provenance, mechanical renovation and subtle upgraded features. Its purchase also followed a detailed magazine feature in which the vehicle was driven around the North East to support an article on the iconic Michael Caine film Get Carter.

Previously retained for 22 years by its prior keeper, the Jaguar was used infrequently by Rosalind and her husband, who bought it to fulfil a lifelong desire to own a Mk II.

Sadly poor health has now regrettably forced its sale - they will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Rosalind
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

Subject to a historic body restoration, the bodywork has always been well maintained.

Wheels and Tyres

The 15” wire wheels are cleanly presented with decent tight spokes, the rear rims and knock-off spinners show mild signs of age.

The front and rear of the car is fitted with Dunlop SP Sport tyres showing a spec of 185/VR15 - these are date coded from 2016. They’re in good shape with plenty of legal tread.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

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Bodywork

The bodywork is in exceptional condition, showing decent shut lines and panel fitment, all completely free from noticeable corrosion or damage. The doors open and close smoothly, although the boot lid requires slightly more force to shut. The door seals show minor signs of age in places, but remain fully functional.

The underside has been treated with a corrosion inhibitor, with the floor pan, chassis rails, suspension mounts and wheel wells all remaining solid.

The engine bay and boot floor are clean.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

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Paint

The paintwork has an appealing lustre and consistent coverage. The finish displays a good shine and, apart from the occasional stone chip, is near-flawless. The only notable surface blemish identified is on top of the nearside C-pillar/roof, which shows light orange peeling and a minor run.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

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Glass and Trim

The glass is in good condition with sound seals.

The only notable marks were identified on the offside rear quarter-light.

The lights and lenses are in good order.

The fittings are in good shape, despite the occasional slight trim misalignment. We noted a few mild signs of age on the chrome, chiefly on the grille, rear light clusters and slightly on the front bumper; otherwise, the bumpers are well fitted.

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Interior

The sumptuous cabin retains all of its luxurious charm and has been exceptionally well kept over the years.

Seats and Carpets

The seats have been re-trimmed in red leather and are all in excellent condition.

The carpets are clean and damp-free.

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Dashboard

The dashboard is smartly presented with no significant flaws or signs of age.

The veneer is in excellent condition, while the facia, rocker switches, controls and dials are clean.

Everything is reported to operate as intended.

The interior trim is in good order; the door cards may need minor fettling, but the headlining is sound.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel matches the smart presentation of the dashboard, and the gear lever shows no issues.

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Mechanics

The car drives faultlessly, with its mechanical overhaul ensuring it retains its smooth power.

Engine and Gearbox

During a cold start, the engine fired up promptly and settled into a fast idle. The electric choke ensured the engine ran down smoothly, with the engine note sounding even and quiet. All dashboard ignition lights remained off. Oil pressure registered a healthy 40 psi initially and rose to 50 psi as the engine warmed up.

Typical cold-engine condensation was observed at the exhaust, with no unwanted fumes noted.

The engine is smartly presented, with clear evidence of maintenance and regular servicing. The cylinder head was replaced to accommodate new valves suitable for unleaded fuel. The engine formed part of a £17,000 mechanical overhaul carried out in 2017.

The original Moss gearbox was installed by Jaguar main dealer with a late-1960s unit with full synchromesh. It operates without any reported issues, and the clutch is in good order.

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Suspension and Brakes

The ride felt incredibly refined and luxurious, yet surprisingly sure-footed and eager when pushed a little harder. We did not hear any unwanted noises from the running gear.

As one of the first production cars fitted with Dunlop disc brakes on all four corners as standard, the car's stopping power remains impressive.

The braking system operates smoothly with no negative feedback or squeals, pulling the car up straight and true.

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The Drive

The Jaguar XK engine family was originally developed during World War II, debuting as a 3.4-litre unit in the iconic XK120 sports car. Recognising the need to meet the demand for more power, Jaguar developed the engine further by introducing the 3.8-litre variant alongside the launch of the Mk II in late 1959. Renowned for delivering massive low-down torque and a relentless mid-range wave of power, the XK engine architecture is famously robust, boasting a 43-year production run.

Steve took us for a brief drive on behalf of Rosalind, demonstrating the Jaguar's near-perfect road manners. The rich, velvety, deep straight-six burble at idle transforms into a tone that feels incredibly relaxed, smooth and unstressed. A gentle prod of the accelerator allowed the engine revs to rise with a crisp, clean, sporty growl without popping, spitting or missing a beat.

The car glides smoothly over the road, absorbing irregularities with confidence. It leans into corners with characteristic body roll, yet remains settled and completely free from knocks or kickback through the steering wheel. The car has been fitted with a power steering rack from an XJ-S, which, alongside the electric choke, makes the driving experience vastly superior to the original setup. We brought the car up to 40 mph before Steve engaged the overdrive; it engages smoothly, dropping the engine revs dramatically for a whisper-quiet cruise.

The oil pressure read 30–40 psi while cruising at 3,000 rpm, and there are no reported issues with engine temperature. An auxiliary cooling fan has also been fitted.

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Electrics and Other

Additional equipment includes an electric aerial, a full remote alarm system, and fitted rear seat belts.

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History and Paperwork

It comes with a folder of history since the mid-1990s, including a £17,000 mechanical overhaul in 2017.

First registered in March 1962, the car comes with an impressive history file, reflecting the effort of previous owners to document as much of its provenance as possible. The Jaguar Heritage Certificate confirms this UK home-market example was originally finished in green with a suede green interior, supplied new via Henlys of London.

It is believed the car was retained by its original owner until 1984, at which point it underwent its first restoration. Stored in a dry environment until 1994, it was reported to be in sound condition upon emergence. Detailed invoice and receipt records begin in the mid-1990s, including work by Jaguar main dealer Evans Halshaw covering the engine, gearbox and clutch, alongside upgrades such as power steering, central locking and a full remote alarm system. The bodywork was wax-injected and undersealed during this period and continuously maintained thereafter.

The most substantial recent invoices date from 2017, totalling over £17,000 at The Jag Shop for comprehensive engine, brake, suspension and clutch overhauls. Prior receipts from 2012 account for a further £7,000, supported by extensive servicing and maintenance records stretching back to the 1990s.

The car is both tax and MOT-exempt. Although it does not currently hold an MOT certificate, it has covered only around 200 miles since its last test in 2021. It includes two sets of keys, a compact disc containing photos of the 2017 mechanical work, and receipts for a bare-metal restoration carried out in 1995. Furthermore, this former show-winning Mk II is accompanied by several magazine features, including a cover story in Classic & Sports Car, the maintenance handbook, a Heritage Certificate, previous V5 documents tracing ownership back to the mid-1980s, and over four decades of historic MOT certificates.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Trade Classics Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative (IAR) of AFS Compliance Ltd which is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm number 625035. Trade Classics Limited is a vehicle sales business with permission to introduce prospective finance clients to Revered Finance Limited who is also an AR of AFS Compliance Ltd and an independent asset finance brokerage not a lender. We are not independent financial advisors and are unable to provide you with independent financial advice. Trade Classics Limited and Revered Finance Limited will receive payment(s) or other benefit from the finance provider if you decide to enter into an agreement with them. We work with both discretionary and non-discretionary commission models. Commission payments are factored into the interest rate you pay.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
16-07-2021 MOT 92,983
24-06-2020 MOT 92,399
01-06-2019 MOT 92,079
04-06-2018 MOT 91,584
12-06-2017 MOT 90,962
05-04-2016 Independent Oil Change 90,817
05-04-2016 MOT 90,811
15-05-2015 Independent Oil Change 90,388
07-04-2015 MOT 90,316
07-04-2014 MOT 90,104
25-04-2013 Independent Service 89,734
25-04-2013 MOT 89,734
10-04-2012 MOT 89,545
07-04-2011 MOT 89,129
21-04-2010 Independent Service 88,485
21-04-2010 MOT 88,485
15-04-2009 Independent Service 88,007
14-04-2009 MOT 88,007
08-04-2008 Independent Service 87,495
08-04-2008 MOT 87,495
12-04-2007 Independent Service 86,578
11-04-2007 MOT 86,578
28-04-2006 Independent Service 85,706
25-04-2006 MOT 85,706
05-04-2005 Independent Service 84,553
04-04-2005 MOT 84,553
07-04-2003 Independent Service 83,725
14-04-2003 Independent Service 83,060
07-04-2003 MOT 83,060
12-04-2002 MOT 82,343
12-04-2002 Independent Service 82,343
24-04-2001 MOT 81,655
15-09-2000 Independent Service 81,528
25-04-2000 MOT 81,311
30-08-1999 Jaguar Service + engine rebuild 80,892
29-04-1999 MOT 80,656
19-06-1998 MOT 80,300
31-10-1997 Jaguar Service 80,273
28-07-1997 MOT 79,965
25-11-1996 Specialist Service 72,561
26-03-1996 MOT 68,994
Key Details
  • Finance Available? Yes - contact us
  • Model MK II 3.8
  • Transmission 4-Speed Manual with O/D
  • Reg. Date 01-03-1962
  • CC 3781
  • Mileage ~93,086 on the clock
  • History Since 1995
  • Colour Carmen Red
  • Interior Colour Red
  • Interior Trim Leather
  • Chassis # 205475DN
  • Engine # LB5159-8
  • Last Service 05-04-2016
  • Restored Mid 90s
  • Engine Rebuild 2017
  • MOT Expired: 16-07-2021
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • Road Tax Exempt Yes
  • HPi Clear Yes - all clear
  • Former Keepers 4
  • Tyre Brand Dunlop SP Sport
  • Tyre Age 2016
  • Security Sys Remote keyfob
  • # of Keys 2
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned ~7 years
  • Key Feature Excellent History and Presentation
  • Vehicle Registration 5949 DD
  • Driver’s Side Right
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type 4-door Saloon
  • Auction ID 4037


    Auction Bidding

    Live Bidding
    Current Bid £10,000
    £
    1962 Jaguar MK II 3.8
    AUCTION STATUS RESERVE NOT MET
    RESERVE NOT MET RESERVE MET
    Countdown Timer
    0 Days
    0 HRS
    0 MIN
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    Auction Ends Thu 15th Oct at 8.00pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  7
    £10,000 bid by ianperkes09.10.26 @ 01:14:10
    £5,000 bid by Tracyamer7308.10.26 @ 23:04:02
    £4,500 bid by ianperkes08.10.26 @ 20:52:50
    £3,200 bid by CallumY08.10.26 @ 20:43:47
    £3,000 bid by ianperkes08.10.26 @ 14:00:57
    £1,500 bid by celandine07.10.26 @ 16:55:34
    £1,000 bid by wobblycol02.10.26 @ 14:26:10
    SEE MORE BIDS SEE MORE BIDS
    1248
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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a MKII like this is £TBC via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Autumn 2026.

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    Vehicle Location

    Alcester

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