1961 Jaguar Mark II

'Timeless Elegance from Jaguar's Classic Sports Saloon'

"Already 1959 is being talked of as a vintage year for new cars, and undoubtedly well up the quality list will come the new Mk II Jaguar"

Autocar - 2 October June 1959

If the E type is the classic British sportscar, the Mk. II Jaguar must be well placed in the argument for honours as the classic British sports saloon. Offered in 2.4, 3.4 and 3.8 litre forms the MK II was the logical development of Sir William Lyons ground-breaking compact saloon, the 2.4 (or Mk. I as it became known).

By the early 1950’s Jaguar had established an enviable reputation for spectacular sports cars with the XK120 (and the XK140 launched in 1954) and luxurious saloons in the form of the 6-seater Mk. VII. However, not everyone wanted to drive a two-seater, nor indeed a 6-seater. Most customers wanted something in between: a compact saloon with four or five seats and the same Jaguar performance, opulence and value for money.

The 2.4 saloon, launched in February 1955, was designed to fill this gap and was the first Jaguar to be built with a unitary bodyshell, i.e. no separate chassis. The engine was a short-stroke version of the famous XK series used in the Mk. VII, having reduced capacity of 2483cc. Within 18 months the 2.4 was joined by the 3.4, the increased engine size resulting in a medium-sized touring car with a top speed of 120mph!

The early MK I 2.4 and 3.4 models were not without their critics but they were silenced in October 1959, when the Mk. II was launched. Gone was the tapered body shape, the full rear-wheel spats and smallish windows. In their place was the most beautiful sports saloon car, which proved to be the staple product of Jaguar’s ascendancy during the 1960’s.

The history of this car is of particular note, it having been first owned by one Don Parker who in his obituary in Motorsport magazine was described as "the most successful Formula 3 racing driver in history", having been F3 champion in 1952, '53 and '59.

Parker won 126 F3 races altogether and in 1953 alone started in 44 and won 30. Stirling Moss may have been a rising star in 1953, but he still raced in F3 and Parker beat him more times than any other driver, despite never even having seen a motor race until he was 40!

Other names of note Parker competed against in F3 are none other than Bernie Ecclestone and well known Jaguar luminary, Norman Dewis... Quite a chap, Parker, this car was specifically built for him by Jaguar upon the express instruction of Lofty England to incorporate uprated brakes, improved suspension, slightly larger carburettors and (gently) re-profiled camshafts. Although a little 'breathed on' when new, today this car is much more of sedate lady than a racy little number. However 'Nimrod' - as christened by Parker - will still get going when needed.

Extremely well appointed, with disc brakes all round, the Mk II offers a very comfortable and practical touring option with performance to ensure it maintains its place favourably with modern traffic. The car of choice for professionals, Managing Directors, (not to mention the odd racing driver in the sixties!), the model is now perhaps most famous for its starring role with John Thaw in ‘Inspector Morse’ (eclipsing other memories of the model as a rough and ready gangster chariot).

The Mk II offers a drive full of character that will charm the new driver. Opening the driver’s door will reveal the slightly faded dashboard and fascia, the wonderfully mellow upholstery and a smell that can only be from original interior. A car with a story, this is pure nostalgia...

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