1961 Jaguar 3.8S - Top Flite Example!

Very attractive, agile, early 1960s sport sedan. Looks good, runs good, stops good. Restored. The Jaguar Mk2 (Mark 2) was introduced in Oct. 1959, and production continued until 1967. The design of these cars made it possible to buy a production luxury 4-door sedan that was stylish and one of the fastest with best-of-breed brakes. The car was said to be popular with both criminals and law enforcement. The fictional TV detective, Inspector Morse, drives a Mk2.
Painted in Jaguar-proper Old English White; restored interior is red Equipped with the desirable/bigger 3.8-liter XK racing engine: DOHC (dual overhead cam) straight-6 develops 220 bhp; same engine used in E-Type and XKE Four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive; 4-wheel disc brakes; limited-slip differential; dual stainless-steel exhaust; wire wheels; Coombs spats (thinner, “racing” rear wheel-well skirts, make tire changes easier)
Most instruments and lights operate (tachometer, oil pressure, water temperature, ammeter, windshield wipers, horn, fuel level; headlights; taillights; driving lights; turn signals; instrument lights; interior lights).
Items not working (speedometer not connected, have new cable; windshield washers, have old parts; dash clock; self-cancel on turn signals).
Recently, the following restoration efforts have been made.
1. The brakes have been completely rebuilt. New master cylinder, new power booster, new brake pads, rebuild of wheel calipers and parking brake have been performed.
2. Restored Lucas HF1748 matched-pair horns have been obtained from Great Brittan and installed. The car has that characteristic sound created by the correct, two-tone Lucas horns.
3. A new fuel-level sending unit has been installed inside the gas tank. Now the gas gauge works perfectly.
4. The car has been driven locally, multiple times per week.
Former owners have completed these restoration efforts.
1. The car was completely repainted. The circa 2011 paint is holding well.
2. The interior was restored with new soft material. Most of these coverings are in great shape;the headliner is in great shape. Exceptions that fall below high quality are the left-front (driver’s) floor mat and the right-front (passenger’s) kick well.
3. A strong GM TH-700R4 transmission has been installed, replacing a problematic Borg-Warner transmission.
4. The top end of the engine has been addressed: carburetors, distributer, water pump.
5. A complete stainless-steel exhaust system has been installed. Today the exhaust system still looks like new.
6. Konis shocks on all four wheels.
7. Much of the chrome has been redone with a few exceptions. (The bright trim around the door windows shows fine pitting, for example.)
History- We are told this Mk2 was a long time South Carolina owned car that then made its way to its long term owner of many years in Florida. then briefly to an owner in New jersey before finding its current owner of over 5 years in California. It is evident through inspection that this car has always received proper care and was never neglected, as is often the case; it shows handsomely today as a serviced driver quality example. Cosmetically the car presents very well: straight panels with great fit, good bonnet and trunk gaps and excellent door fit on all four corners. The bright work shows well overall, and the rubber components and glass are all in order, without need of attention. The exterior shows superbly with consistent paint in a period correct cream color, and was completed only a few years ago. A few minor blemishes may show minutely in a few areas, but are minimal and show that this car has been driven and enjoyed. The car is finished off with spectacular Dayton wire wheels. Entering the interior, the contrasting red leather hides show to have had little use since the entire interior was restored from carpet to headliner. Interior fit and finish is superb and it appears that everything was tended to by a specialist and was completed a few years ago during the exterior restoration. The interior wood was polished out, remains original and presents very well. Mechanically, one couldn't be happier with a great driver quality
This 3.8 starts easily, sounds healthy and has good power through the rev range, all while showing consistent and excellent oil pressure. This example does not suffer from any overheating issues and can be driven with ease and reliability.