BF Exclusive: 1961 Jaguar 3.8 Mk 2 Saloon

• Seller: David B rill (Contact)
• Location: Gales Ferry, Connecticut
• Mileage: 50,000 Shown
• Chassis #: P216417BW
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 3.8-Liter DOHC Inline-6
• Transmission: 3-Speed Automatic

Some classics are worth a closer look than others. Take this 1961 Jaguar 3.8 Mk 2 Saloon as a prime example. It has belonged to passionate enthusiasts of the British marque from within the same family since 1969. Naturally, that means that it has been maintained by people who know the product, ensuring that all work was performed to a high standard. Sadly, the owner’s recent passing means the Mk 2 must head to a new home. Therefore, the seller has listed the Jaguar exclusively with us at Barn Finds, priced at $32,500.

Jaguar introduced the Mk 2 in 1959 as its mid-sized luxury model. Featuring styling that has become iconic, the Mk 2’s performance certainly met the company’s marketing slogan of “Grace…Space…Pace.” This Mk 2 left the Coventry factory in 1961 and was purchased by an eighteen-year-old lady in 1969. She and her husband joined the Jaguar Club of Southern New England shortly after. They remained active members until he passed away approximately fifteen years ago, with his widow later marrying another club member. They have both since passed away, leading to the Mk 2 hitting the market. The owners had the Jaguar repainted in its original shade of Cotswold Blue approximately a decade ago, and it still looks good. The seller states that close inspection will reveal minor chips and nicks, consistent with the paint’s age. Otherwise, from five feet, it looks like an extremely tidy, driver-grade vehicle. The image gallery contains several underside shots, confirming the car’s rust-free status. The trim looks excellent for its age, and the glass is clear.

The Mk 2 might seem like a relatively conservative vehicle, but it is a steel fist clad in a silk glove. Its 3.8-liter DOHC six-cylinder engine produces 220hp and 245 ft/lbs of torque, feeding to the limited-slip rear end via a three-speed automatic transmission. The company equipped the Mk 2 with four-wheel disc brakes, providing exceptional stopping power. Jaguar quoted a top speed of 120mph for these cars in automatic form, and several contemporary motoring reports confirmed that figure. The seller says that the owners replaced this car’s engine block approximately fifteen years ago, but fitted the original motor’s high-compression cylinder head. It has always been meticulously maintained, and the sale includes over $70,000 in receipts, a full set of Service Manuals, and a selection of spare parts. The driver can slip behind the wheel, tap the gas pedal a couple of times, and the motor springs instantly into life. The car runs and drives perfectly, and is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.

With leather upholstery and acres of walnut trim, this Jaguar’s interior is a thing of absolute beauty. The late owners performed a retrim in the correct Red leather only a few years ago. There is no wear visible in the supplied images, only the wrinkles of gracefully aging leather. The timber is excellent, and the carpet is spotless. It carries the hallmarks of a classic that has always been treated respectfully, and should remain stunning for decades if the buyer continues to do so. The interior features its correct push-button radio, and with such plush trim, every journey would feel like a special occasion.

This 1961 Jaguar 3.8 Mk 2 Saloon is a gorgeous vehicle that has obviously been a cherished possession of its passionate owners for over five decades. It needs nothing and is ideal for enthusiasts seeking a turnkey British classic perfectly combining a luxurious motoring experience with surprising performance. Jaguar designed the Mk 2 to turn heads, and this Saloon can still do so sixty-five years after rolling off the showroom floor. It is worth scrolling through the image gallery, because you will struggle to find anything to criticize. That may lead you to approach the seller, and I will understand if you do.