From its earliest days as S.S. Cars, luxurious and sporty saloon cars have sustained Jaguar through its highs and lows. In the mid-1950s, Jaguar was savoring the accomplishments of the XK sports cars and world-beating C-Type and D-Type sports racers. They even enjoyed surprising success with the massive MkVII and MkIX in British Saloon Car racing in the hands of Sir Stirling Moss, Roy Salvadori, and others. But Jaguar saw an opportunity to appeal to a broader market with a smaller, more compact luxury saloon that shared a common bloodline with their sports cars. The new mid-sized sedan debuted in 1955, built on Jaguar’s first-ever road-going monocoque chassis and powered by 2.4 or 3.4-liter versions of the XK twin-cam inline six. The curvaceous body styling was influenced by the XK sports cars, and the cabin was trimmed with vast swaths of leather and wood.

Further refinements to the shape and mechanical spec brought the Mark 2 of 1959, which featured a more expansive glasshouse and a host of mechanical improvements including the addition of the hot 3.8-liter engine shared with the XK150 and the E-Type. The Mark 2 was an overnight motorsport sensation, proving to be a formidable competitor in rallying and circuit racing. The Mark 2 is considered by many to be the father of the modern sports sedan, and one blast in the gutsy 3.8 makes it very easy to see why. The Mark 2 and its derivatives would remain a cornerstone of Jaguar sales until 1969 when the XJ6 consolidated all of Jaguar’s four-door models into one single line.

This outstanding Mark 2 3.8 Saloon is a lifelong black-plate California car that has had only three owners over its 55-year life. Equipped from new with the 3.8-liter engine, four-speed manual gearbox, and factory overdrive, it includes the original dealer invoice and extensive records of its restoration and maintenance.  According to the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, it was originally delivered via British Cars of Burlingame to Dr. Robert J. Sells of Hillsborough, California. The original invoice shows Dr. Sells traded his 1955 Buick for a $200 credit on the $4,177 Jaguar. For the next 25 years, Dr. Sells cherished his Mark 2, driving it all across Northern California and keeping it in excellent working order. On November 18, 1989, he sold his beloved Jaguar to Mr.  & Mrs. John Splittorf of Gilroy, California.

In the hands of the Splittorfs, the Jaguar was treated to a comprehensive, two-year restoration with the goal of creating a high-level concours competitor. During the process, the color was changed from Golden Sand to Old English White, and the interior trimmed in Biscuit leather. An extensive history file includes photographs that document the restoration and reveal the car to be incredibly solid and clean when the project commenced. Photos also show the original engine and overdrive were rebuilt, and in the process, the odometer was zeroed. With meticulous preparation, the Mark 2 was shown in November 1991 at the JCNA Concours in Tucson, Arizona, where it scored an incredible 99.67 points in a highly competitive field. It would be counted among the best Jaguar saloons in America with its stunning and authentic presentation.

Inside the accompanying file are numerous receipts as well as a large stack of California registration slips from Mr. Splittorf’s time with the Mark 2. He and his wife enjoyed the Jaguar for 27 years, accruing most of the car’s current 14,600 miles along the way. The car’s most recent owner, also from California, completed two entries in the Going to the Sun Rally across Montana. He specifically chose the Mark 2 for its performance as well as its practicality, which allowed his wife and son to accompany him on the adventure.

Today, the presentation is excellent and reflective of the award-winning restoration. In the time since it was completed, the paint has remained glossy and attractive, with the finish now showing a few minor touch-ups and slight paint shrinking in select areas. The body remains beautifully straight and the doors open and shut with satisfying precision. Likewise, the chrome shows some light hazing and polish marks in places, yet remain consistent and in fine overall condition. The car sits beautifully on its chrome knock-off wire wheels shod with whitewall radial tires.

The interior is outstanding, with biscuit leather seats, matching door cards and correct-type wool carpet. It remains remarkably well-preserved since its time as a show car, with supple leather showing only the slightest creasing from use. Instruments and switchgear are excellent, set in a satin-finish wood dash that, along with the rest of the wood trim, has mellowed nicely since its restoration. Color-keyed seatbelts are carefully integrated, and a very rare and desirable three-spoke Derrington steering wheel adds a sporting touch. The boot is trimmed with correct materials and includes the original jack and toolkit, which fits neatly inside the spare wheel. The sale will also include the original owner’s books and factory parts and service manuals.

Jaguar’s iconic XK inline six is beautifully presented under the bonnet. Correct finishes, hardware, and fasteners remain in very good order, showing only some slight wear from recent road use. The block and head numbers match and correspond with the firewall tag and Heritage Certificate. At the time of restoration, the engine was mated with a very desirable all-synchro four-speed gearbox from a 4.2 liter-equipped car, which is mated with the original and functional overdrive unit to create the ultimate Jaguar driving experience.

The high-quality restoration still shines through on this wonderful Mark 2. It has been expertly maintained by its passionate owners and has proven its worth both on the concours field and on-road events. It is equipped from new in the most desirable specification and is ready for its next long-term owner to enjoy the distinct pleasure of driving a properly sorted Mark 2 – with its unique combination of vintage appeal, luxurious accommodations, and outstanding performance.

For more information on how you can easily buy classic cars, like this Jaguar Mark II, and complete your collection of vintage cars, contact us today and learn more about our classic car consignment program.

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