Jaguar Mark 2

Produced from 1959 through to 1967, at which point it morphed into the Jaguar 240 (and 340), the Jaguar Mark 2 has etched itself firmly into the annals of true classics. Its timeless curves, luxurious elegance and a real semblance of personality - a rarity for often faceless Jaguars - thanks to its high-profile feature in a number of television series and films, makes it a desirable, yet fairly affordable classic car to own.

The Mk2's soothing and elegant curves were deceiving; under the bonnet was a straight-6 beast, either a 2.4, 3.4 or 3.8 litre petrol drinker offering up between 120 and 220 bhp on tap. The interior was - naturally! - walnut dash and plush leather, although the latter was ditched in the later models to lop mounds off the showroom price to compete with Rover in the eyes (and wallets) of the public. Twin SU carbs were the order of the day for 3.4, but with only twin Solex carbs for the 2.4.

The Mark II took over the mantle from its sister the Mark.I in 1959, and featured improvements over the latter in suspension, handling, the rear axle and in body styling, although the increased weight of the Mark 2 saw it lag behind similarly specced Mk I's.

Over the eight years which it was sold on the forecourts of Britain (and exported internationally), just shy of 84,000 Mark II Jaguars were sold, distributed fairly equally between the three engine offerings.  From 1967 onwards it was rebadged as the 240 (and 340), but its glory days were - at that time, at least - waning with more modern offerings capturing the public's interest, and it ceased production in 1969 having sold only 7,000 more after the rebadging.  But in the late eighties and nineties, the Jaguar Mk 2 thankfully saw a resurgence it fully deserved, catching the eye of investors and enthusiasts alike, and a commendable chunk of the production run still survive to this day in varying conditions, from one-headlight bangers to concours models that look as if they've just emerged fresh from Brown's Lane.

The Jaguar Mk2 has featured in a number of high profile roles on both the big and small screens.  British TV go-ers of the nineties know the Jaguar Mark 2 as the car of Inspector Morse, the TV detective played by John Thaw.  His maroon-coloured 1960 Mk2 was as indicative of the Morse character as the opera music that dominated the scenes.  Mark 2's were also seen in multiple episodes of 1960's TV series such as The Professionals, The Avengers and The Baron.  Given its at-the-time popularity with the more wealthy denizens of the criminal underworld, with the status it brought (not to mention the 120bhp engine to shift during car chases!), it often cropped up in crime dramas or car chases.  On the big screen, the Jaguar Mark 2 is probably best known as the battered, one-headlight, one windscreen wiper car belonging to Withnail and I, the cult classic British film of the eighties.

As with any classic car, a Jaguar Mark 2's value depends hugely on the condition you find it in.  A project car - you'd be amazed what some sellers define a project! - can be picked up for a few thousand pounds.  You'd be looking at closer to £10,000 for a well-worn but drivable car (and an "easy restoration"), closer to £12,000-£13,000 for an older restoration with a little work required, then upwards of £15,000 for a really good example.  Prices do vary though, and as always do your research and take your time before rushing in and buying anything.

Happy Motoring!