Jaguar Mk II Mark 2 3.8 liter Automatic with 38000 original miles

1963 Jaguar Mk II 3. 8 Automatic

with 38000 ORIGINAL miles

www. flickr. com/photos/63mkii/sets/

VIN/Serial Number:  P218817 BW

Engine Number:  LB7411-8

Summary:  Beautiful 1963 Mk II 3. 8 liter. automatic. with only 38000 original miles (title recorded/verified). The vehicle is in very good. solid condition. All systems work very well – the vehicle underwent a comprehensive restoration in 1996-97 at a cost of $16. 10. 00 – complete body. interior and mechanical overhaul. and I have detailed records of this restoration. It has seen very little use since the restoration and has been well maintained. It can serve as a daily driver but is really in a much finer condition than a typical daily driver.   The vehicle was in the same family since Nov. 1962 when it was purchased new. until June 2002 when I bought it. I bought it with 37600 miles and have put only 400 miles on it. yes. only four hundred miles in nine years. and this is part of the reason for me selling it. The vehicle comes with original manuals. logs and records. The vehicle is located in Brookline. MA. The book value of the vehicle is around $31. 00. I will let it go for considerably less – the bidding starts at $21. 00.

Website:  Approximately 200 photographs covering detailed aspects of the car can be viewed at:  www. flickr. com/photos/63mkii/sets/

These photographs are categorized as follows:   Body Exterior/Paint & Chrome; Engine & Engine Compartment; Undercarriage/Chassis/Suspension; Brakes/Wheel Assembly/Wheel Wells; Interior – Dash; Interior – Front Seats & Floor; Interior – Rear Seat & Floor; Interior – Door Panels / Other Trim / Headliner; The 1996-97 Restoration; Original Documents / Manuals / Historical Material

(I suggest using the slideshow option under the “Actions” tab. )

General Specifications:

Engine:  6 cylinder. 3. 781 cc. 8:1 compression

Transmission: Borg Warner 3 speed. Type DG

Carburetors:  Twin SU HD6

Brakes:  Four wheel disc brakes with Dunlop calipers

Electrical System:  Lucas with Negative ground

Exterior Color:  Light metallic rose brown; Interior: Beige upholstery and beige carpets.

Inquiries / Contact:   As long the vehicle is being advertised in ebay. contact me via ebay.   I will reply promptly to legitimate inquiries.

Detailed Description:  The vehicle is described below is detail and as accurately as I know the vehicle and its history.   Nothing is hidden or embellished.   Any good Jaguar enthusiast or specialist can verify all of this by both inspecting the vehicle and by going through the written records.   The vehicle comes with extensive records.   (Note: To protect the privacy of the first owners' family. I have blocked all names in the records put up on the website but all the original records with owner names will be provided to the buyer. )

HISTORY and OWNERSHIP

Date of Purchase by First Owners:  November 28. 1962

Purchased from Dutch Hurst Motors. Inc. . Muncie. Indiana by Mr. N. B and Mrs. M. B. See original sales document.   It indicates that they traded in an Austin A55.   Some of this history comes from the copies of titles and sales documents and some of it has been communicated to me by first owners' granddaughter. Ms. T. W. of Cody. Wyoming. from whom I bought the car. and I will be happy to put the new owner in contact with Ms. T. W.

The car was purchased in 1962 primarily for Mrs. M. B. though it was used very little.   Ms. M. B. loved the car and cared for it dearly.   Mr. N. B. undertook to have the car restored during 1996-7 as the car reached its 35th year.   One of the photographs shows Mrs. M. B. at age 98. standing proudly next to her restored car (see Documents/Manuals/Historical Folder).   Both Mr. and Mrs. B. passed away in the years following the restoration.   The car was inherited by their son in Indiana. and when he passed away in Oct. 2001. his daughter. Ms. T. W. of Wyoming. inherited the car.   An Indiana Title (#01003227033). see picture. shows that it was passed to Ms. T. W. as a gift on Dec. 11. 2001.   This title also indicates the “actual mileage” at that time:  37329

Having little inclination to keep and maintain her grandmother's car. Ms. T. W. put the car up for sale in 2002 with the assistance of a member of the Jaguar Club of Indiana.   The car was then purchased by me on April 3. 2002.   It was transported to Brookline. Massachusetts. where it has resided since.   During my ownership of the car. the work carried out on it has included a clean out of the fuel system. a new fuel pump. rebuilding of the carburetors. rebuilding of the front brake calipers. new front rotors and brake pipes. and a new battery – much of this attributed to the car having sat unused between the late 1990s and early 2002.   I bought the car a different stage in life – when I was single and had lots of time but that was soon to change.   Little did this poor Jag know that a family. two houses. one cat and the owner's demanding career. would mean increasing less time given to it.   The Jaguar mechanic whom I use or consult has reprimanded me for not using the car more often.   It needs an owner who has more time for it.

THE 1996-97 RESTORATION (October 5. 1996 to July 18. 1997)

See 8 pages of records on the pictures website in folder titled “The 1996 – 1997 Restoration”

More due to age rather than miles. the vehicle was treated to a major restoration.   This was carried out by Simonson's Browns Lane USA. 200 West Vine Street. Taylorville. Illinois (the name of this shop does come on an internet search but it appears that the company is no longer in business).

The cost of this restoration:  $16. 10. 13.

Simonson's kept detailed. day-by-day records of this restoration.   It started on Oct. 7. 1996 and was completed on June 12. 1997.   I have the original records given to Mr. N. B.

The restoration was extensive – covering body work. undercarriage. chassis mounts. all engine/mechanical and braking systems. and electrical systems.   The engine was removed and rebuilt as were numerous mechanical and hydraulic components.   Various body panels were also removed – see the 8 pages of records.   Anyone who is serious about buying this car should look through these pages thoroughly.   The restoration and minimal use of the car in the years since. account a lot for its fine condition.   As part of the restoration. the paint color was also changed from the original opalescent bronze (darker) to the current opalescent Ascot Fawn.

CURRENT CONDITION

Engine. Fuel System and Transmission (see restoration notes)

The engine starts on first press of the starter button and runs very strong.   It has the distinctive rich XK engine sound.   This is a mighty powerful 3. 8 liter.   Compression is very strong.   Engine underwent a complete rebuild in '97.   The block was stripped and boiled. rings. bearings. valves and various outer parts were replaced.   The engine is clean.   Valve cover shows no leaks.   Oil pan/sump shows a small oily area. so slight that it can be ignored for a long time (see picture).

The twin SU HD6 carbs and float chambers were rebuilt just after I took possession of the car in 2002 – I was advised to do this since the car had been sitting for a while.   They were rebuilt with kits from XKs Unlimited. They were then tuned and checked by famed New England Jaguar mechanic Mr. W. C.   He also cleaned the gas tank thoroughly. flushed the fuel lines and installed a new SU fuel pump.   The carbs work well and have not been adjusted since 2002 except for new fiber washers for the banjo bolts and a new jar filter.   There are no fuel leaks!  The glass jar shows no residue and all the mesh filters are clean.

The engine starts normally on the starting carb and then transitions normally to the twin SUs.   I replaced the air filter and it is still practically new.   The spark plugs. wires and fan belt were changes in June 2012 (that is about 10 miles ago).   Once warmed. the engine idles smoothly at 5500 – 6000 rpm depending on the outside air temperature.   In winter. when the weather is cold. a few restarts are required before the engine runs warm and smooth. but it very soon does!  The longest single trip I have made with the vehicle was a 35 mile roundtrip (in late summer) and the engine did not overheat.   The gauge stayed just above the 70 deg. point – and I am told that this is quite good for Mk II.   The cooling system has been well maintained -- flushed once per year.

The transmission works remarkably well considering that it is a Borg-Warner.   Automatic gear shifting/transitions are smooth and the car runs smoothly in each of the three gears.   The column shifter works freely across all positions.   In fact. the shifter cable has just been lubricated as part of seasonal maintenance (May 2013).   There are simply no transmission issues.   No transmission leaks.

Chassis/Frame. Suspension and Steering

Restoration involved chassis treatment/rust proofing; rear chassis mounts were replaced.   The chassis is solid – no rot!  Parts of the undercarriage do show some light. superficial surface corrosion – can easily be brushed and treated.   The rust proofing black paint coat that was applied in 1997 to various undercarriage components including the muffler and spare tire well. has partly peeled off – and this is where you can see the superficial surface corrosion.   When a 2002 photograph of the undercarriage is compared with a 2011 photograph. it becomes clear that this surface corrosion set in over the past 9 years. (Since 2002. I have kept the vehicle in my garage.   It's a garage that is covered on all sides except for a door.   I used a high quality car cover to cover the vehicle. )

Suspension springs. tie rods. control arms. bushings. etc. were replaced in '97.   Some of the rubber bushings show some age and would be best be replaced but suspension and steering performance are not affected.   The springs. mounts and wishbones are firm and solid.   The steering has the typical amount of play for an English car of this era but still tracks and holds well – it is not squirrely on the road.   The power steering is smooth – no slippage at all.

Brakes

The 4-wheel disc brakes work well.   Braking is normal for a Mk II (no comparison to a new BMW but at the same time not spongy).   The master cylinder was rebuilt in '97 as were all four calipers.   The front calipers required a second rebuild due to extended lack of use.   They have were rebuilt in July-Aug. . 2011.   New front brake discs. steel braided brake pipesand caliper bridge pipes were installed during this recent brake overhaul. all purchased from S&G Barratt.   The rear calipers were not in need of an overhaul.   They were installed in '97.   They show little wear.   The main brake lines appear to be original and solid – no corrosion.   There are no brake fluid leaks!  Since the main brake lines appear to be original (and I could be wrong here). it may give peace of mind to replace them.

The handbrake also works well and holds well.   The main handbrake cable was also replaced in August 2011.

Muffler and Exhaust System

The muffler and exhaust system are from the '97 restoration.   There is some surface corrosion on the exhaust pipes and muffler but nothing to the point of needing replacement -- can be brushed and painted.   The muffler seams have been reinforced with muffler weld but there are no signs of leaks.

Electrical System

The car is negative grounded and this is the original factory configuration.   All electrical components are fully functional and work well.   Even the Lucas components have behaved remarkably well.   I have had had no electrical issues with the car.   Some of the wiring harnesses were replaced in '97 and some original harnesses were kept but all the wiring is good.   Wiring of the lights. horn. etc. appear to have been renewed in '97.   Again. all electrical components/systems work and this includes all the interior lights.   The battery was replaced about two years ago (less than 30 miles ago).

Body

All body panels are solid. very smooth and straight.   No signs of accidents (from outside or underside views) and no dings or dents.   Body seams were well tied together and sealed during the restoration.   Doors. bonnet and truck lid are well aligned.   They all open and close very well – feels like a new Mk II straight from the factory.   The inside surface of the fenders were rubberized in '97.

Paintwork

Color:  Opalescent Rose

The current paint job is from the ‘97 restoration.   Body had been given triple primer coat.   I would give the paint work a score of 8. 8 / 10.   Paint and clear coat shine bright and well as is very evident from the pictures.   It is obvious from the condition of the paint that the vehicle was garaged/covered since the paint job.   There are a few areas where there are small paint bubbles and one area (panel below the right side of the windshield) where there is fading – The last 8 pictures in the “Body Exterior/Paint & Chrome” folder show these blemishes.   The original color was a dark metallic brown.   The insides of the wheel rims still show this color.   For the most part. the paint is excellent.

Chrome. Badges. Grill and Lights

Re-chroming was done as part of the restoration and was clearly done very well – all chrome pieces were removed and sent to a rechroming shop.   The chrome is in very good condition and sparkles.   I would also give it a score of 8. 8 / 10.   Close inspection of a few of the beadings show some pitting or hairline cracks (visible only from a distance of a few feet or less).   On the lower part of the center column of the left side B-pillar. a piece of chrome about 1. 5 square inches is covered with a chrome sticker – presumably because of a blemish (see pictures).

All badges are in place and in good condition.   The “Automatic” badge on the trunk lid was replaced with new one but I have the original one and it seems fine.   All other badges appear to be original.   The leaper/bonnet mascot is in excellent condition.

The grill is in very good condition – slats are solid and straight.   The Jaguar badge on the top of the center rib is original and uncracked.   Grill chrome is excellent.

All lights/lenses are in good or excellent condition.   Authentic Lucas fog rangers were fitted in 2003 at a cost of $300. 00 – bought used on ebay.   They have never been wired up – they were fitted for the look.   The original grill covers that were removed to fit the fog rangers have been saved.

Interior

Dash:  Instruments. gauges and switches are all in excellent cosmetic and working order.   The burl wood is solid and original but could use a new coat of gloss.   While it does not have an intense. shiny. glossy. reflective veneer. it is clean. scratch-free. solid. and unmolested.   The black plastic trim piece that runs at the bottom of the center column has a chip on the left side (see pictures).

Upholstery:  The upholstery is in good to excellent condition.   Good is the rear seat which is original.   The actual seat piece has no tears.   The upper surface of the backrest has one tear and some crack lines in the leather that have not quite opened yet.   For an original seat it is however in amazing condition.   Excellent are the two front seats – and this is because they were re-upholstered exactly to factory specifications in '97.   The front seats look brand new and the leather is of a very high grade.

Doors and Trim:  Door panels are all original and in excellent condition.   Interior door and window handles/chrome are excellent.   Door wood and other interior wood trim are like the dash wood. clean. solid. scratch and nick free but could use a new coat of gloss.

Carpets:  The carpets were completely replaced in '97. again to factory specifications.   The rear carpets and underlayment look brand new.   The front carpets are for the most part clean but have some stains in the foot rest area.   The front carpet underlayment is dry but has darkened.   I am assuming that at some point. water must have seeped in and wet the floors– a well known Mk II issue.   These floors are dry though and have never seen any water accumulation in the time I have owned the car.

Headliner:  The headliner is simply excellent.   It is original. very clean and shows no tears. stains or discoloration.

Trunk/Boot

The trunk space and spare wheel well are very clean and dry.   There are some small patches of surface corrosion (appears to have set in some time ago) but nothing serious.   There are no surface dents or scratches and no signs of any recent water accumulation.    The paint is original and the trunk mat is also original and shows no tears.   The spare tire was replaced as part of the full set of new tires in 1997.   It does not appear to have ever been used – looks brand new.   The inside surface of the trunk lid is clean.   At the very bottom. it shows signs of possible water or moisture accumulation. again likely from some time ago – there is some rust visible but none that is corroding through to the outside surface.   See the second to last photograph in the “Trunk/Boot” picture folder.   The jack is original and works well.   The set of spanners/wrenches that would have come with the car from the factory is missing.   As indicated earlier. the fuel pump was replaced.

Wheels

The tires and rims are in excellent condition.   The tires are General American 400SL 205/75/15 white walls.   All current tires including the spare were installed as part of the '97 restoration – meaning that that they have 500 – 600 miles on them at most!  This is evident from looking at the tires – they look new.   They also hold air very well. no leaks.   The rims are clean and solid.   Two of the four hub caps have one or two small spots of rust. otherwise they are fine and with good chrome.

SUMMARY OF THE CAR'S HIGHLIGHTS

This is a 38000 original miles 3. 8 liter Mk II with a well documented history.   If the first owners' family members are not counted (they had the car briefly upon inheriting it). I am only the second owner. and I have put less than 400 miles on the car in my nine years of ownership.   The 1996-97 restoration was extensive. and thankfully. well documented –please see the 8 pages of records.   All of these features combined with the originality and fine condition of this car. make it a one of a kind Mk II.

www. flickr. com/photos/63mkii/sets/

Also published at eBay.com

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