Few British motor cars have achieved the enduring admiration and legendary status of the 1961 Jaguar Mk2 3.8 Saloon. Introduced in 1959, the Mk2 represented a remarkable combination of sporting performance, refined luxury and timeless elegance. With its distinctive flowing lines, slender roof pillars, generous glass area and unmistakable Jaguar grille, it quickly became one of the most recognisable sports saloons of its generation.

Powered by Jaguar’s celebrated 3.8-litre XK six-cylinder engine, producing an impressive 220 bhp, the Mk2 3.8 was capable of reaching approximately 125 mph (201 km/h), making it one of the fastest production saloons in the world at the time. Its beautifully appointed interior, featuring polished walnut veneers, leather upholstery and traditional British craftsmanship, offered a level of sophistication rarely associated with such exhilarating performance.

The Jaguar Mk2 3.8 also established an extraordinary reputation in international motorsport, particularly in saloon car racing throughout the 1960s. In the hands of legendary drivers such as Roy Salvadori, Graham Hill and Mike Hawthorn, the powerful Jaguar saloons became formidable competitors on circuits across Britain and Europe. Their combination of exceptional straight-line speed, responsive handling and powerful four-wheel disc brakes made them particularly successful in touring car competition. The Mk2 became equally famous away from the racetrack, serving as a favourite among British police forces, who appreciated its ability to pursue high-performance vehicles, while also gaining notoriety as the preferred getaway car of certain criminals. This colourful dual reputation only added to the model’s enduring character and place in British motoring folklore.

Today, the 1961 Jaguar Mk2 3.8 is regarded as one of the most iconic sporting saloons ever produced, representing a golden era when Jaguar successfully combined racing pedigree, engineering excellence and traditional British luxury. Its influence extended far beyond its production years, helping establish Jaguar’s international reputation for creating elegant motor cars with genuine sporting credentials. More than six decades later, the Mk2 continues to command admiration among collectors, enthusiasts and motoring historians worldwide. Whether displayed as a beautifully preserved classic, enjoyed on the open road or campaigned in historic motorsport, the Jaguar Mk2 3.8 remains a magnificent reminder of an era when performance, style and craftsmanship came together to create something truly exceptional.

• Manufacturer: Jaguar Cars Ltd, Coventry, England

• Model: Jaguar Mk2 3.8 Litre Saloon

• Year: 1961

• Engine: 3,781cc XK straight-six, DOHC

• Factory Power Output: 220 bhp at 5,500 rpm

• Factory Torque: Approximately 325 Nm (240 lb-ft)

• Original Carburettors: Twin SU carburettors

• Original Compression Ratio: 8:1 or 9:1, depending on factory specification

• Drive: Rear-wheel drive

• Body: Four-door, five-seat sporting saloon

• Construction: All-steel monocoque body

• Front Suspension: Independent, with coil springs and telescopic dampers

• Rear Suspension: Live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs

• Brakes: Four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes

• Steering: Recirculating-ball steering, with power assistance available

• Top Speed: Approximately 125 mph (201 km/h)

• 0–60 mph: Approximately 8.5 seconds

• Interior: Traditional walnut veneer dashboard and trim, leather upholstery and classic Smiths instrumentation.

  Upgrades to this Vehicle

• Lowered suspension, providing a more purposeful stance and enhanced road handling.

• Triple SU carburettors, replacing the original twin-carburettor arrangement.

• Upgraded 10:1 engine compression ratio.

• Fully synchromesh manual gearbox with overdrive, offering smoother gear changes and more relaxed open-road cruising.

• Upgraded XJ6 disc brakes for improved braking performance.

• Precision power steering adapted from a Jaguar Series 3, providing lighter, more responsive steering.

• Stainless steel exhaust system producing a magnificent exhaust note that is simply music to one’s ears!

• Engine professionally reconditioned by respected Jaguar specialist Alex Copeland of Temuka, with very few miles travelled since completion. Records available.

• Serviced and maintained over the years by John Finlay Motors, Jaguar specialists in Christchurch, with supporting receipts available.

• All modifications and improvements are Low Volume Vehicle (LVV) Certified.

• A carefully improved example combining the unmistakable character and elegance of the original Mk2 3.8 with desirable mechanical upgrades for modern driving enjoyment.

• 3.8ltr, Manual with Overdrive.
• No. Cylinders: 6
• Transmission: Manual / Overdrive
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Body Style: Saloon
• Colour: Carmen Red
• Interior Colour: Black
• No. Owners: 4
• History: NZ New
• Km / Mileage: 22202
• Original Tool Kit, Jack, spare wheel etc.
• Straight rust free body with beautiful, flawless paintwork.
• Leather interior in very good order.
• Beautiful woodwork.
• Chrome wire wheels on good tires.
• Drives beautifully – this car feels different to driving a standard MK2 – its more like driving a go-cart with lowered suspension, Triple SU carburetors, Full synchro box with overdrive, 10 to 1 compression, XJ6 Disk Brakes, Precision Power Steering from a Series 3…Oh, and that stainless steel exhaust note is music to one’s ears.
• Engine was reconditioned by Jaguar specialist Alex Copeland of Temuka (records available) and done very few miles since.
• Serviced and maintained over the years by John Finlay Motors (Jaguar Specialists) in Christchurch (Receipts available).
• All modifications / improvements are Low Volume Certified.
• Car has been fully and professionally repainted (photos available) and is here being presented in STUNNING CONDITION!
• Previous owner 22+ years.
• Comes with Black and also White Plates.

Versatile beauty and with a 125mph top speed and throttle adjustable handling, the 3.8 became the saloon of choice for enthusiastic drivers.

Responsive as a sports car, the 3.8 is tailored for family driving and is considered the best of all Mark 2’s.

The Jaguar Mk2 3.8 Litre has long been regarded as one of the most desirable and collectable British sporting saloons of the post-war era.

Few motor cars capture the spirit of 1960s motoring quite so beautifully, and the Mk2 has become a genuine motoring icon, admired by successive generations of enthusiasts and collectors. Of the various Mk2 models produced, the flagship 3.8 Litre remains particularly sought after, combining the prestige of the Jaguar name with the appeal of the most powerful engine offered in the range. Its unmistakable presence, sporting reputation and association with a golden age of British motoring have ensured its place among the great classic Jaguars. For many enthusiasts, the Mk2 is far more than simply a collector’s car; it represents nostalgia, achievement and a wonderful reminder of an era when owning a Jaguar was something truly special.

Internationally, the Jaguar Mk2 continues to enjoy an established following, particularly throughout Britain, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. While collector-car values have experienced periods of appreciation and more recent market corrections, the finest 3.8 Litre examples continue to attract discerning buyers, with condition, provenance, mechanical integrity and documented history playing an increasingly important role in determining value. Particularly desirable are well-presented examples that have been carefully maintained, professionally restored or tastefully upgraded to improve their driving characteristics. The market has demonstrated that exceptional examples can command substantial premiums over average vehicles, reinforcing the importance of buying quality rather than simply buying on price.

What makes the Jaguar Mk2 3.8 especially appealing today is its ability to offer both genuine collector interest and the pleasure of ownership. Unlike many classics purchased primarily for display, the Mk2 is a motor car that invites its owner to get behind the wheel, enjoy the open road and experience the character of a bygone motoring era. Its enduring popularity is supported by an enthusiastic international Jaguar community, specialist workshops and established parts suppliers, all helping preserve these remarkable machines for future generations.

With its iconic status firmly established and the very best examples becoming increasingly difficult to replace, the Mk2 3.8 remains a compelling proposition for anyone seeking a distinguished British classic with heritage, personality and long-term collector appeal.

New Zealand Sales
Unless otherwise stated, vehicles sold for use in New Zealand will be supplied with a new Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and 12 months New Zealand registration at the time of sale.

Transport & Shipping
New Zealand transport and worldwide shipping can be arranged on the Buyer’s behalf and at the Buyer’s cost and risk. Any freight, shipping, insurance, customs charges, duties, taxes, import costs, certification or compliance costs are the responsibility of the Buyer unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Export Sales
For vehicles purchased for export, the Buyer is responsible for determining and satisfying all import, registration, certification, compliance, tax and regulatory requirements applicable in the destination country.

Viewing
All vehicle inspections and viewings are strictly by appointment only.

Applicable Law
All sales are subject to applicable New Zealand law. Nothing in these Conditions of Sale excludes or limits any statutory rights or obligations that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

For more information about this vehicle, please contact us Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 6:00pm (New Zealand Standard Time) on +64 (0) 3 310-6485. Alternatively, you may email us at [email protected] anytime, or contact us through the form below.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak.

NOTIFICATION AS TO NATURE OF GOODS IN TERMS OF THE CONSUMER GUARANTEES ACT 1993

Waimak Group Ltd is a New Zealand registered company and accepts that the vehicle being sold must be of “acceptable quality” in terms of section 7 of the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (the Act) having regard to “the nature of the goods”. Waimak Group Ltd is not aware of any specific defects with the vehicle, however (a) such a vehicle being a classic vehicle may have mechanical breakdowns, electrical failures at inconvenient times and maintenance costs being part of and parcel of ownership of a classic vehicle; (b) reliability is a combination of the particular nature of the classic vehicle, how it is being driven, how it has been maintained, and to a certain extent luck; (c) because of the age of the vehicle, and its propensity to rust, it is likely that the vehicle would have been fully or partially restored, or at least repainted at some point in its life, maybe even more than once. Waimak Group Ltd does not know, and cannot give advice on how good any restoration work on the vehicle had been.

The Purchaser acknowledges that the vehicle is being sold as a classic car; that in terms of the Act and the nature of the goods, the vehicle is an old car, bike or boat, that may have visual and hidden faults, unlike a new motor vehicle.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak Group Ltd.

The Purchaser acknowledges that they have read and fully understand this notification and the nature of a car which is many years old.