1965 Jaguar MKII 3.8-Litre 'Coombs Evocation' Sports Saloon
Registration no. NOO 909C
Chassis no. 233838DN
Engine no. 7B54259

A progressive development of the Mark I, Jaguar's first unitary construction saloon, the Mark II arrived in October 1959. Slimmer windscreen pillars and deeper side windows greatly enlarged the Mark II's glass area, and the deletion of its predecessor's full-sized rear wheel spats allowed the rear track to be widened, a move which increased roll resistance and stability. Otherwise, the running gear remained much the same as before, with independent front suspension by wishbones and coil springs, and a leaf-sprung live rear axle. A Mark I option, four-wheel Dunlop servo-assisted disc brakes were standard. A redesigned dashboard, with speedometer and rev-counter ahead of the driver and minor gauges grouped centrally, established Jaguar's layout for years to come. With the Mark II's arrival, the 3.8-litre version of Jaguar's XK 'six' became available for the first time in the company's medium-sized saloon. Used previously in the Mark IX saloon, this engine produced 220bhp, an output sufficient to propel the top-of-the-range Mark II to 125mph. Transmission options were a four-speed manual (with or without overdrive) or Borg-Warner automatic gearbox, an improved all-synchromesh version of the former being specified from 1965.

The superb example offered here has been restored and rebuilt as an evocation of the racing Mark II saloons prepared and entered by Guildford-based Jaguar dealer John Coombs in the early 1960s. A Jaguar/Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate on file reveals that chassis number '233838DN' was originally finished in Sherwood Green with Suede Green trim and left the factory equipped with the desirable manual/overdrive transmission and power steering, which it retains. The Jaguar was retailed via Pollards Garage, Chelmsford and first owned by G R Tanner Ltd of Hedingham, Essex. Its original registration number was 'MOO 6'.

This car was fully restored in 2014 and has had some £30,000 spent on it over the seven years. Works carried out include a bare-metal repaint; fully restoring the interior with new leather, headlining, carpets, and re-veneered woodwork; completely overhauling the engine, gearbox, and running gear; fitting a new stainless steel exhaust system; and fully detailing the engine bay. The car features reclining seats, a heated rear window, and a centre armrest in leather – all factory-fitted 'extras' – while noteworthy improvements include Coopercraft brakes, alternator electrics, and new chrome wire wheels shod with correct tyres. All restoration works are documented by bills and photographs on file. The vendor acquired the car in November 2021 and has covered only circa 200 miles since. While not necessary, the car passed with a fresh MoT on the 6th of June 2022. This discreetly upgraded 3.8-litre Mark II is offered with a V5C registration document, and the aforementioned restoration records, etc. The original dynamo is included in the sale together with car's original fully painted bonnet and chrome trim. An opportunity to acquire a well-presented example of an iconic British model.