1961 Jaguar Mark II
Classic Car Hire from Cornwall & Devon Classic Car Hire
| Date | 1961 | Colour | Red |
|---|---|---|---|
| Make | Jaguar | Seats | 4 |
| Model | Mark II | Man/Auto | Manual 4sp |
| Body | Saloon | Engine | 3,781 cc |
"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 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.
Extremely well appointed, the Mk II offers a very comfortable and practical touring option with performance to ensure it maintains its place favourably with modern traffic.
Perhaps most famous for its starring role with John Thaw in 'Inspector Morse' 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 dashbord and fascia, the wonderfully mellow upholstery and a smell that can only be from original interior. Pure nostalgia...
Please visit our main Cornwall & Devon Classic Car Hire website or contact us on 0845 458 1108 (local rate) to discuss your specific touring requirements in the Westcountry.
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