1962 Jaguar Mk2 3.8-Litre Saloon

The car presented here is a 1962 Jaguar Mk2 3.8-litre, originally delivered to Stockholm, Sweden. The car remained in Sweden and eventually found its way to the workshop of well-regarded Swedish Jaguar specialist, Bertil Backstrom, famed for his restorations and bespoke commissions of Jaguar cars. Back in 2008, our long-time classic car enthusiast vendor was on a road-trip which took him through this particular Swedish town when he noticed numerous classic cars, prompting him to make enquiries and follow the throng. He made the acquaintance of Bertil and was highly impressed with his work and approach to getting the best out of 1960s Jaguars. Thus, our vendor commissioned this car exactingly – benefitting from a full ground-up restoration, a completely rebuilt ‘hot’ 3.8-litre engine, a modern 5-speed Getrag gearbox (from M&C Wilkinson Ltd.), Coopercraft brakes (from David Manners), rear axle and suspension (from Vicarage), race-quality KONI dampers (from David Manners), and PAS (from M&C Wilkinson Ltd.) etc. There are lots of photographs of its restoration, a JDHT CoA and a large history file documenting its upkeep and maintenance since 2008.

Our vendor has really enjoyed this car, registering it in the UK, and using it between homes in London and Scotland, jaunts through Europe and on numerous rally events. He has covered some 7,500 miles in it, keeping a logbook of mileage and servicing, saying “It's a comfortable car, really quite quick and stable, an absolute joy to drive”. The car has always been garage-stored and maintained by Jaguar specialist Marcus Barclay, ensuring it was always ‘match fit’ and ready for use. Our fastidious vendor is very particular about his small collection of cars - one very special Mercedes-Benz example he inherited from his father and has driven it around the world - a point made to emphasise that the commissioning and ownership of this Mk2 has been of the highest order, by a knowledgeable and dedicated owner, and these qualities are reflected in the car.

This is a classic car that is not claiming to be original but simply applies the classic car experience to modern driving/usage – a ‘best-of-both-worlds’ scenario. It has all the enhancements that build on the inherent Mk2 3.8 qualities, just making it faster, more reliable, more comfortable, safer and able to tour with ease. A great opportunity to acquire a very competent classic Jaguar.