6 photos

1963' Jaguar Mark 2

£80,000

Published 10 May 2026ID: BX187L

Warwickshire
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Information from the owner

Body: Sports Car

Age: 63 years

Displacement: 3800 cc

Transmission: Manual

Exterior color: Blue

Seller's comments about 1963' Jaguar Mark 2

This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the BRDC Classic 2026 - Collectors' Cars on Saturday the 25th of July, The Wing, Silverstone Circuit, NN12 8TN. The Jaguar Mk2 3. 8 Sports Saloon occupies a significant place in British motoring history, combining performance, practicality and understated style in a way few contemporaries could match. In 3. 8-litre form, the Mk2 became one of the fastest saloons of its era, offering a compelling blend of refinement and outright pace. However, in the hands of noted Jaguar dealer and racing driver John Coombs, these cars were developed further into highly capable competition and fast road machines, their reputation cemented through success in British saloon car racing during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Genuine Coombs-modified examples are now particularly rare and highly regarded. This example, chassis number 231336DN, was supplied new via Henlys of London to its first owner, Bob Jennings, who is understood to have later owned a Lightweight E-Type. Seeking enhanced performance beyond the already capable standard specification, Jennings commissioned John Coombs to modify the car shortly after delivery. The works carried out were in keeping with Coombs’ well-established approach and included uprated camshafts, a lightened flywheel, twin 2-inch SU carburettors and a large-bore exhaust system. In addition, the car benefitted from a close-ratio gearbox, revised and lowered suspension, modified rear wheelarches and the fitment of an E-Type steering wheel, all contributing to a more focused and capable driving experience. The car is known to have been entered in the 1964 BRDC Brighton Speed Trials by Bob Jennings, finishing second, reflecting its performance credentials and the intent behind its original modifications. Jennings retained the car for only a relatively short period before it passed through a number of subsequent owners during the 1960s and early 1970s. During this time, the original registration 37 PF was changed, and the car became known as ‘8504 PE’, a registration it retains today. Following a period out of the public eye, the Mk2 was rediscovered in 1980 by Jaguar enthusiast Tim Spital, stored in a private garage in Twickenham. By this stage, the car had been partially dismantled, though importantly remained substantially complete. Over the following years, Spital carefully gathered a large number of original and correct Jaguar components, both major and minor, with the intention of undertaking a full restoration. Unfortunately, ill health prevented this work from commencing and in 1997 the car, along with its accumulated parts, was sold to David Sedge of Maidstone, a professional restorer and former Browns Lane employee. What followed was a comprehensive and detailed rebuild carried out by Sedge, with the car stripped to a bare bodyshell and painstakingly restored. With the exception of one wing, all body panels are understood to be original, an important factor in preserving the car’s integrity. Mechanical work was entrusted to leading Jaguar specialist Rob Beere, who carried out significant engine development, while the gearbox was rebuilt by Colin Sharpe using Quaife components. The electrics were rewired to a high standard whilst retaining a period appearance, and the interior, brightwork and woodwork were all restored by respected specialists. The resulting specification reflects both the original Coombs ethos and considered later enhancements. Highlights include a Rob Beere ‘Option 4’ lead-free cylinder head, high-capacity oil pump, 9½-inch competition clutch, oil cooler, aluminium radiator, alternator conversion, rebuilt competition overdrive, quick-ratio steering box, competition wire wheels and a louvred bonnet. Finished in its original Opalescent Dark Blue, the car is complemented by a re-trimmed grey interior, presenting in a manner that balances authenticity with usability. It is understood that the car produces in the region of 300bhp and is reputed to be capable of approximately 135mph. Following completion of the rebuild in 2001, the car was retained by Sedge before passing via a specialist dealer to a subsequent owner, and ultimately to our vendor in 2014. Since then, it has formed an important part of a carefully curated private Collection. During current ownership, the car has been maintained by the Collection’s in-house mechanic and has been both used and shown, reflecting confidence in its usability as well as its presentation. Further sympathetic improvements have been made during this period, including the fitment of a stainless steel exhaust system in 2020, along with new carpets and a replacement headlining in the same year. These works have been carried out with a view to continued enjoyment, without detracting from the car’s character or historical significance. Documented, well-known and authenticated as a genuine Coombs-modified example, this Mk2...