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BF Classifieds Find: 1961 Jaguar MK2

As someone who has dragged two barn finds out of Georgia, I’m a bit partial to discoveries from the Peach State. This latest one comes to us in the form of a Barn Finds Classifieds submission for a very straight 1961 Jaguar MK2 sedan. It was found in a Georgia barn where it had been standing for quite some time, but it remains in surprisingly sound condition despite its years of neglect. The seller notes that it is a matching numbers example, but the engine is currently stuck. It will come with a Georgia registration and the seller can assist with export if desired. Find it here on the Barn Finds Classifieds or via the auction listing on eBay here.

Bidding is just over $2,000 at the moment with the reserve unmet. The picture shows the Jaguar where it had been sitting since 1973 before being discovered and extracted into the daylight for the first time in decades. The listing that the body panels, chassis, and rockers are all in sound condition, with just some very light rust on the lower extremities. This is a bit of a vindication for me, as numerous tire-kickers have claimed that some of the cars I’ve listed from the large Georgia collection I’m helping to wind down are likely rust buckets; not so, as my junkyard find 1986 Isuzu Trooper goes to show.

The Jaguar’s interior is surprisingly nice, too, speaking to a car that was evidently sealed up tight for its years of stagnation. The floors look solid, and even the upholstery is in good shape. The same goes for the door panels and glass, along with various switchgear and gauges. The seller notes the wood trim has perished, which is typical for a Jaguar of this vintage that hasn’t been preserved since new or previously restored. The listing claims the door panels will also need attention, but they don’t look past the point of being reconditioned versus tossed out and replaced. The headliner has stains but isn’t drooping.

Registration stickers in the windshield glass show an old Georgia Highway Patrol sticker from 1972, and it seems likely the MK2 was parked not long afterward. It’s a shame the engine is stuck, but given it is the matching numbers unit, it seems like a worthwhile effort to attempt to free it up. The photos show the Jaguar post-cleaning after its removal, and the panels really do look as straight as the seller promises in the listing. This is definitely the kind of classic you can drive while it’s restored, and while it’s far from the most valuable Jaguar model in existence, there will always be someone who appreciates this stately classic and is willing to take it off your hands. They’re only original once!

Comments

  1. Avatar Steve Clinton

    “After seating in Georgia Barne sense 1973” from the eBay listing.
    Can we say ‘spell-check’ boys and girls?

    Like 2
    • Avatar Ensign Pulver

      It’s all spelled correctly …the problem with spellcheck is that it can read …reed…or Reid.

      Like 4
      • Avatar Steve Clinton

        el-oh-el!

        Like 1
  2. Avatar charlie Member

    Is that a Facel Vega in the far background? If so, probably worth the whole shop!

    Like 1
    • Avatar Elanguy

      Wow, that Lamborghini and Lancia are worth even more than the Facel Vega. Quite a shop.

      Like 2
  3. Avatar Solosolo Member

    The trouble with restoring one of these is the cost of the woodwork, which is most likely more costly than overhaulin’ the engine. At least in South Africa it can be. Lots of mechanics can do an engine rebuild but there aren’t too many people that can do the veneer work needed to put this Jag back to original. Ken Tilly UK.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Charles Sawka

      True, I can,but it’s time intensive. There are repro kits in the UK

      Like 0
  4. Avatar Charles Sawka

    If you are at all familiar with these mk series cars, this one looks decent. Pretty straight forward engineering and if not rusty, easy to restore, biggest issue is electrical. Typically English. Replace EVERYTHING you touch in the brakes. Don’t cut corners,it’ll come back and bite you. Especially master cylinder !

    Like 0
  5. Avatar charlie Member

    And install a dual master cylinder, Jag or not, and if you get invited to Pebble Beach you can put the rebuilt original in for the occasion. Brake line blew on my MG as I was going into the garage one day, two gallon cans of black, oil based, paint were positioned at bumper height which I hit, like those sand filled barriers, burst off the tops, black paint all over the garage wall, but none hit the car, and since the bumper really worked as well, no other damage. 50 years later that paint splatter is still there.

    Like 3
  6. Avatar Johnny

    I like it,but its on EBAY and stay away from it and the self bidding . It looks nice,but I,d have to check it out myself .Pull the plugs and valve covers . Get some Marvel Mystery oil or automatic fluid and soak the rockers and fill the cylinders and let it soak for awhile–about a year–while you work on other things on the car. I started to buy a 96 this fall,but I check on the parts.GEE–THEY ARE OUTRAGEOUS . I still might and definitely do away with alot of the relays and hidden wires,relay and fuses and build a better –easier wiring .Plus easier to get too. I wonder how the ride is in these cars? It looks like a luxury car and bet they ride good.

    Like 1
    • Avatar ChingaTrailer

      There are no rocker arms on a DOHC XK engine. With all the high dollar exotics in the background this car won’t sell for a bargain price.

      Like 0
  7. Avatar charlie Member

    I had a ’60 XK150 S and it rode and drove like nothing I had ever driven, or ever drove, until I got to use a 1972 BMW 2002, and I drove a lot of cars which were presumably the best for the day, like a mid 60’s Porsche, a late ’60’s Mustang and Camaro, and a 300 C Chrysler. The Corvair was a close second but did not have the guts or high speed capability of the Jag. Now, much later, my 1994 Saab, 2002 Audi A-4, 1993 Cadillac Allante, were as good as the BMW, and my 2014 Audi is even better. But compared to a 1960 Ford, the Jag will be fantastic.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Dave Mathers

    There are some neat pieces behind the Jag as well!!

    Like 1
  9. Avatar Ben T.Spanner

    While you are at it; convert to a Japanese 5 speed. The BW automatic really saps the performance. Decades ago we converted a 1959 mark I to stick in one Saturday. The car was transformed. A 5 speed would be even better and could not be visually noticed.

    Like 0

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