1961 Jaguar Mk2 Saloon Technical Specification and History

The Mark 2 was introduced in October 1959 (the same year as the Mini, Triumph Herald and Ford Anglia 105E) replacing the previous Jaguar 2.4/3.4 which has subsequently been referred to as the Mark 1. The engine was the same 6 cylinder XK engine that was originally introduced in 1948 in the XK120 and offered in 2.4, 3.4 and 3.8 litre versions.

 

The early cars were fitted with a Moss gearbox with overdrive offered as an optional extra. Not having synchromesh on all gears, changing gears is a slow deliberate process and 1st gear should only really be engaged when stationary.

Production: 
  • Mark 2 – 2.4 from Oct 1959 to Sep 1967 - 25,173
  • Mark 2 – 3.4 from Oct 1959 to Sep 1967 - 28,666  
  • Mark 2 – 3.8 from Oct 1959 to Sep 1967 - 30,141  

 

Construction:  

 

The body of the car is a steel monocoque like its predecessor the Mark 1.  The front and rear screens were larger and the four doors have chromed window frames with more glass giving it a much lighter and more airy interior.

 

Built on 6 February 1961 with a 3.4 litre engine, in only the 2nd year of Mark 2 production this is a very early model. It was exported direct to New Zealand, hence not having the front fog lights, which were not fitted to export model cars. The engine was upgraded to 3.8 litres and the car was re-imported to the UK in December 2003 and registered with an age related registration number. 
 

History of YAS 269  

 

Its early history isn’t known but the car appears to be largely original with no panels having been replaced and little or no evidence of any repair work having been done. The car was originally painted British Racing Green and has been changed to the current red while in New Zealand.  

 

The carpet set is new, the seats are in the original leather and the woodwork is in good condition although at some point in the future it will need re-lacquering. The car is fitted with its original painted steel wheels with chrome hubcaps and rimbellishers. A 1961 car would not have been fitted with seat belts but we have fitted inertia reel belts to both the front and rear seats.  

 

Four days after purchasing the car, we entered it for the Pride of Ownership Concours Class at the Midlands Jaguar Day and the car won 2nd prize.  

 

Technical:  

 

  • Length 15ft 0.75in (4.592m), width 5ft 6.75in (1.695m), height 4ft 9.75in (1.467m), weight 29.5 cwts (1,305 kg).
  • Engine 3,781 cc six cylinder XK engine with twin overhead camshafts and hemi-spherical combustion chambers. 
  • Develops 220 bhp at 5,500 rpm and 240 lb ft of torque at 3,000 rpm.
  • The engine is fed by twin SU HD6 1¾ inch carburettors mounted on a heated inlet manifold.
  • 4 speed Moss gearbox with overdrive on 4th gear.
  • Servo assisted disc brakes on all four wheels.
  • Front suspension: independent, sub-frame mounted with semi trailing double wishbones, coil springs, with telescopic shock absorbers and anti-roll bar.
  • Rear suspension: trailing link by cantilever semi-elliptic springs, incorporating twin parallel radius arms, Panhard rod and telescopic shock absorbers. 
  • Steering: Burman re-circulating ball and 17 in adjustable two spoke steering wheel; 4.8 turns lock to lock giving a turning circle of 33 ½ feet. 
  • Wheels: Pressed steel bolt on 15 in diameter 5K wheels fitted with 205/70R15 radial tyres. 
  • Tyre pressures (pounds per square inch): Front 32, Rear 32  
  • 0-60 in 8.5 secs. 
  • Top speed 125 mph.
  • Fuel consumption – 18 to 22 miles per gallon.