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Curated Auction

1965 Jaguar Mk2 3.8 (Manual)

At a Glance

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

  • Mileage~15,338
  • TransmissionManual with Overdrive
  • Engine3.8L
  • LocationHythe

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£4,000
See Bidding

AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£4,000

Introduction

Dom Ginn
Professional Consigner

Timeless style and unmistakably British, the Jaguar MK2 blends classic curves with sporting spirit - a true icon of ‘60s motoring charm.

The Jaguar MK2 is a shining example of classic British automotive craftsmanship, capturing the essence of refined performance and mid-century elegance. Introduced in 1959 and produced through 1967, the MK2 evolved from its predecessor with a wider rear track, slimmer roof pillars for improved visibility, and a more luxurious cabin. By the time this 1965 model rolled off the production line, the car had matured into a well-balanced sports saloon that catered to both spirited drivers and discerning passengers. Known for its sweeping curves, signature chrome grille, and opulent wood-and-leather interior, the MK2 offered a unique blend of style and sophistication. Under the bonnet, it could be purchased with a range of potent straight-six engines, making it not only a gentleman’s express but also a favourite among police forces and racing enthusiasts alike. The 1965 variant represents the sweet spot of the model’s production run—where engineering refinements met timeless design.

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.

This listing was written from information supplied by Dom after meeting Jeremy the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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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

An integral part of the family for years, I'm proud to have done this car which has been a family pride and joy justice!

The Jaguar came to Jeremy's ownership after inheriting the car from his late Father, importing the car back to the UK in 2014. Jeremy tells us, "Its a car that I've remembered for years, we had many amazing journeys out in the Jag and it was a car that my Father really loved".

With less time to spend on the car now after investing in ensuring the car is running well, its time for Jeremy to find it a new home, "I really don't want to sell it, especially given the amount of time I've spent with it, but, as life goes on, I need to find it a home that will love it as much as we have, and for many more years ahead. I really want someone to cherish it and make the most of it." Should you have any questions about the car, Jeremy would be happy to answer these in the comments section below.

Jeremy
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

With its curvaceous lines, signature grille, and poised stance, the Jaguar exudes class with styling that still turns heads today.

Wheels and Tyres

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.

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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.

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

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Paint

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 images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there yourself. Please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car to form your own opinion about the condition of the paint.

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Glass and Trim

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.

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Interior

Restored rich wood veneers and smart leather seats - a timeless cabin creates a space that’s as elegant as it is evocative of a golden era in motoring.

Seats and Carpets

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. This covers off the angles inside the car for you to review and appreciate the condition of what's on offer here in our interior review section.

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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.

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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.

We've captured high-resolution photos for you to review and appreciate the condition of the interior in our gallery section.

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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. Take a look at our "mechanical review" video, where we cover the engine start-up and take the Jaguar around some local roads to learn more about the car.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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History and Paperwork

A Mk2 with desirable specification of 3.8L engine, manual gearbox with overdrive, and power steering, this car comes to market from family ownership from new.

The MK2 carries a rich history having been originally purchased for personal export to Rhodesia, and then imported back to the UK in 2014. The latest restoration works started in 2016, where the heater matrix, rear axle half shaft and rubber seals for the lights, lamps, windscreen, boot and bonnet were all replaced.

In 2020 engine and gearbox works were completed including carburettors, gasket set, cold start mechanism and spark plugs with works costing over ~£1,200. For a full overview of the servicing works included with the MK2, please take a look over the paperwork gallery section.

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.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
06.06.2025 MOT 15,331
17.11.2022 MOT 15,212
03.08.2016 MOT 15,024
18.09.2014 MOT 14,917
Key Details
  • Model Mk2 3.8
  • Transmission Manual
  • Reg. Date 31.12.1965
  • CC 3,800
  • Mileage ~15,338
  • Colour Black
  • Interior Colour Grey
  • Interior Trim Leather
  • Chassis # 233981DN
  • Engine # LE2240-8
  • Matching #s Yes
  • MOT Yes. Exp 05.06.2026
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • Road Tax Exempt Yes
  • HPi Clear Yes
  • Former Keepers 0 in UK
  • Tyre Tread Good
  • Tyre Brand Hifly
  • Tyre Age 2023 / 2024
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned ~59 Years
  • Key Feature Family owned from new, great spec
  • Auction ID 2891


    Auction Bidding

    Live Bidding
    Current Bid £4,000
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    Auction Ends Thu 3rd Jul at 7.20pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  1
    £4,000 bid by Timffy19.06.25 @ 09:26:12
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    1 Comment
    Mustang1
    Mustang1
    10 hours ago

    Hi Jeremy , just wanted to ask about the oil pressure as the gauge looks low when running and driving ? Do you know if it’s a numbers matching car eg. Original engine and gearbox ? Regards Mark.

    MORE COMMENTS MORE COMMENTS

    Market View

    For the right specification, these cars are still achieving strong results, but are much better value for money vs 6 years ago.

    We’re sure you have a good idea of the value of this vehicle by studying our thorough listing, however, you may be interested to see a selection of recent sales of the same and / or similar models.

    1961 Jaguar Mk2 3.8 (Manual)

    Auction House Us - Trade Classics

    Sale Date 17 Oct 24

    Sold Price £26,800

    1961 Jaguar Mk2 3.8 (Manual)

    Auction House Us - Trade Classics

    Sale Date 25 Jan 23

    Sold Price £36,000

    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Mk2 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 Summer 2025.

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    Vehicle Location

    Hythe, Kent

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    If the reserve isn’t met when the auction ends, we’ll work with the highest bidder to try and agree a deal with the seller.

    Whether the reserve has been met may / may not be disclosed during the auction — just like a traditional auction house. Bidders usually find out if they’ve won only when the auction ends.

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