1963 Jaguar Mark II 3.8 Sedan

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Description

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History

Adhering to William Lyons' maxim of "grace, pace and space", the Mark II was a beautiful, fast and capable saloon car. The 3.8 is similar to the unit used in the 3.8 E-Type (XKE), having a different inlet manifold and carburetion (two SUs versus three on the E-Type in Europe) and therefore 30 bhp less. The head of the six cylinder engine in the E-Type was also different with its "straight port" layout as opposed to the slightly curved ports of the Mark II. The 2.4 was fitted with twin Solexes, of which three were used in US spec 3.4s and 3.8s in order to meet smog emissions legislation. The dashboard was redesigned with the speedometer and rev counter relocated in front of the driver, the six toggle switches and four minor gauges being set across the center. Independent front suspension was by wishbone and coil springs, with a leaf-sprung live axle at the rear. This, combined with superior Dunlop disc brakes all round and a choice of 2.4, 3.4 and 3.8-liter XK engines, provided the discerning, string-back gloved, enthusiast driver with one of the finest sports saloons available in the 1960’s. In its ultimate, 3.8-liter, overdrive-equipped form, the MKII could reach 125 mph with 60 mph coming up in 8.5 seconds, impressive figures for a saloon of its size even by today's standards. The Mark II model was raced successfully in the European Touring Car Championship.