1963 Jaguar Mk2 3.8 Auto perfect car to restore West Coast Car

We bought this car from the west coast USA and have imported into the UK/EU and paid the taxes due. The car is now down near Chichester in West Sussex if you wish to view. I saw this for sale and had to buy it. it is such a clean and dry car to restore. it is not like the european cars that have been driven in all seasons and road salt. There are minor areas of rust on the panels but when you tap the panel with your hand you car hear it has no filler. it's not like the European examples.

If you want a car to build your perfect Mk2 3. 8 Jaguar from this has to be where to start. Please message me if you want me to email you more photos. I have loads.

This is the description which we bought the car on – I think it describes the car perfectly so why change it.

1963 Mark II 3. 8 Auto

The last owner purchased this Mk II Jaguar in 1976 at Westcott British Cars in San Diego with 79. 84 miles showing (it was 13 years old at that time so the mileage could indeed be accurate). It mostly sat in his drive way in National City. Ca (San Diego County) since then. Even though he paid the yearly registration fees. most of the time he didn't even put the stickers on the license plate and they remain to this day on the registrations papers (see photo).

According to some paperwork which came with the car:

            1977 shows 2 u-joints being installed and a brake booster on order.

In 1986 he had a new battery installed under warranty (the original one likely when bad through disuse of the car – batteries don't like to sit in a discharged condition).

In 1989 at 86. 39 miles the engine was rebuilt by “The Toy Shop Restorations” in National City for approximately $6000 (copies of cashier's checks are included). Today the odometer shows 86. 21 (appears she's been driven less than 90 miles since engine rebuild)

In 1992 3 u-joints were purchase and in 1993 2 stabilizer mounts were purchased.

We found only a few small rust issues and they are all on the exterior body panels. The bottoms of the door skins. right front fender at the bottom behind the wheel arch and the turn signal areas in front fenders. There appear to be no other areas that have rust issues making this car an exceptional candidate for restoration. The underside has normal surface rust only even though one expects this area to go first (at least that is the case in our Midwest aka the Rust Belt). A possible explanation is that the upper body of the car was sprayed with a lawn sprinkler as she sat in the driveway for 20 odd years. Being warm dry San Diego this would explain a few patches of corrosion on the upper body and absolutely no rot or perforations underneath.

This car is superior to cars that customers typically to bring us to restore. It has a sound structure and is a good base to start from since this car's defects are from normal wear and tear and not of neglect or inexperienced servicing or restoration.

She is kind of like a virginal Barn Find but technically we must call her a Southern California driveway find!

Please look at the multitude of undercarriage photos and satisfy yourself as to her mostly rust free state.

Some further points to note from the seller when we bought it:

Still wearing her factory undercoating!

No major rust. only some on the periphery of the body (bottom of the door skins. etc. ).   There is NONE on the undercarriage or frame.   This is a testament to its Southern California life.

Small factory drains are usually plugged up years ago leading to gaping rust holes in the tops of the wings by the bonnet.   Both sides are great on this car.

Same owner for 32 years and in San Diego her whole life.   She has slumbered for the last 20 years awaiting her next caretaker.

We squirted oil down the spark plug holes. turned the motor over by hand. hooked up an external fuel source & temporary battery and she fired right up!

 The last owner had an engine rebuild performed by "The Toy Shop" in National City. CA 81 miles ago costing approx. $6000(receipts are included).

The exhaust is off and not with the car and brake callipers have been removed off the rear as they were binding on. they are with the car. We have not tried to start the car although as we bought it from a well established restoration shop I have no doubt that it does.

Air box is off the car and the fuel tank has also been removed. They were going to restore this car but specialise in Mercedes and do not have the time.

We have 40 years experience in buying cars overseas and can assist with transport into Europe or Worldwide. this is an auction and will run to the end.   We would like a Deposit of £500 within 48hrs and full payment within 1 week.

Any questions please call Andrew on +44 (0) 7775 900 007

Oakfields. com

On 02-Mar-14 at 12:48:48 GMT. seller added the following information:

With over 1500 views and 200 watchers in 48hrs I would like to confirm;

This car is Left Hand Drive and has not been UK registered.   This is very simple to do once you have MOT'd the car. all paperwork to do this is with the car.

We will not end the auction early.

Due to the climate this car has extremely good panel fit.

I have had many calls and I have been able to send those interested parties nearly 80 photos of the car. if you would like to see the interior and other items please call or text and I will send the photos to you.

On 04-Mar-14 at 13:23:46 GMT. seller added the following information:

We have nearly 2500 views and 240 watcher with calls and text for photos from Germany. France. Belgium. Switzerland. Italy. Spain. Poland. Ireland and the UK.  

The auction will run. if you want more photos please call.

Andrew +44 (0) 7775 900 007

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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