1968 Jaguar 240 4.6-litre

Ex-Forward engineering 4.6-litre engine developing 310 BHP mated to a 4-speed manual box with O/D

Smartly presented in its factory colours of Black over Red. Looks striking and purposeful on Dunlop alloys

Very well cared for over the years, low owners, and a fabulous history folder

This is a high-quality build with thousands of pounds invested. Very appealingly guided

After a good innings, the Jaguar Mk2 was finally facelifted in 1967 to become the 240/340. These models were priced usefully below the outgoing cars, and evidence of cost-cutting was most notable inside, where leather gave way to lower-grade synthetic Ambla and the carpet was lower quality tufted. Noticeable differences externally were slimmer bumpers and over riders and a reprofiled rear body section. Despite its popularity in the Mk2, power assisted steering wasn"t even offered as an option in the 240, making the car feel a lot more ponderous than it needed to. The engine was upgraded with a 4.2-style cylinder head, producing 133bhp and that was finally enough power to break the 100mph barrier.

The 240 saloon we have on offer was delivered new to a Mr Arthur Patrick McGowran of Solihull in 1968. Within the substantial history folder, you will find the original factory order dated 30.1.68, specifying a 240 saloon, with overdrive, Black colour, Red Ambla trim, laminated screen, reclining seats and front seat belts. The document folder also contains the original book packs, sales brochures, service records, registration book, a number of invoices, and correspondence with the Jaguar factory.

For some time our vendor had been thinking about building a fast, capable and reliable 1960"s Jaguar saloon. A lot of people have felt that way in the past possibly explaining why rebuilt, upgraded Mk 2 Jaguars have become so expensive. When LVC 521F, a '68 240 came on the market quite close to where he lived, he went to have a look and found that it had been restored a few years previously, looked solid and stood well, and would be an excellent base for his project.

The work was entrusted to Brooklands Engineering and the power unit selected for the build was an ex-Forward Engineering, 4.6-litre XK straight-six, rebuilt with new liners, pistons, shells and all service items, then fully balanced. A lightened steel flywheel was fitted along with an AP 9.5 inch competition clutch. The drivetrain consists of a fully rebuilt 4-speed, all-synchro with motorsport overdrive gearbox feeding power to 3.54 Salisbury power-lock diff totally rebuilt with new seals etc. Stopping power is achieved with Girling servo-assisted, 3-pot fronts and 2-pot rears. Handling has been improved by incorporating Avo one-way adjustable gas struts all round, power assisted steering, and complete polyurethane bushes including the steering rack mounts. The engine bay and the general mechanical presentation of the Jaguar is a credit to the team at Brooklands Motorsport and the project has been fully documented with invoices on file.

The car's exterior is pure 240 with only the larger wheels giving the game away and the interior appears to be completely standard apart from a very smart Nardi steering wheel. Fast, interesting, and exciting, this is an opportunity to own a late 60"s Jaguar saloon benefitting from around forty thousand pounds worth of investment. Just four owners, mechanically excellent and cosmetically very good, and with a very appealing guide price, this Jaguar 'Q' car seems too good to miss.