The Jaguar MK II  1959-1967
Years 1959-1967
See also Jaguar 2.4 and 3.4 MK I
Jaguar 240/340
Jaguar "S" type
Timeline for the Jaguar models (coming soon)
Notes The MK II range was an evolution of the earlier Jaguar 2.4 and 3.4 models. These cars were renamed in retrospect to the MK I 2.4 and 3.4. All engine sizes were fitted with the "B" type cylinder head. The Mk 1 models were in hindsight, somewhat overengineered (because of being the first Jaguar monococque design), and the window frames had been made much thicker than on other Jaguar models built on separate chassis. The Mk II featured a much larger glass area, with separate window frames being substituted for the Mk 1's heavy frames integrated into the door. The front and rear windshiekd were also larger. The interior became much brighter because of the increased glass area, and the dash was redesigned to place the speedometer and tachometer in front of the driver, with the ancilliary instruments and controls placed in the center. This general arrangement was to become a Jaguar "trademark" for the next 12 years, and was only changed with the introduction of the Series II XJ6 in 1973.  

The Mk II became an instant success, and both then and now totally overshadowed the original 2.4 and 3.4 designs. The Mk II featured the same engine sizes, plus the addition of the 3.8 from the XK150. However the Mk II was never fitted (from the factory) with the latters 'S' specification engine with triple carburettors.

The Mk II was also significant as the car which spawned a host of variants during the 1960's from the S-Type of 1963, through the 420 of 1966. Each went upmarket, filling perceived gaps between the compact Jaguars and the MKX  (later renamed as the 420G).

Description 4 door sedan (saloon)
Colors See the compact sedan colors page
w38.jpg (15778 bytes)
3.8 model. Note the optional wire wheels, and rear wheel spats
Engines
Model Engine Bore/Stroke Power
2.4 2483cc 6 cyl twin overhead camshaft 83 x 76.5 mm 120 bhp @ 5750 rpm
3.4 3442cc 6 cyl twin overhead camshaft 83 x 106 mm 210 bhp @ 5500 rpm
3.8 3781cc 6 cyl twin overhead camshaft 87 x 106 mm 220 bhp @ 5500 rpm
Carburetors
2.4 Twin Solex downdraught
3.4 Twin SU HD6
3.8 Twin SU HD6
All engines are versions of the Jaguar XK type DOHC inline 6
Brakes 4 wheel discs
Production

(Various sources differ, slightly)
2.4 right hand drive 21768  
2.4 left hand drive 3405 Total 2.4  25173
3.4 right hand drive 22092    
3.4 left hand drive 6571 Toral 3.4  28663
3.8 right hand drive 15383     
3.8 left hand drive 14757 Total 3.8  30140

All models - 83976
Weight
2.4 3192 pounds
3.4 3304 pounds
3.8 3360 pounds
Length 15 feet
Height 4 feet 9 1/2 inches 
Width 5 feet 6 1/2 inches 
Top speed 96/120/125mph  (Manual cars with overdrive)
Wheelbase 107.375 inches
Transmission 4-speed manual. Overdrive optional. Also available, Borg Warner 3 speed automatic. Until September 1965 the manual gearbox was the old design Moss box, and was replaced then with a new all synchomesh box.
Suspension
Front Independent. Coil springs, wishbones and anti-roll bar
Rear Live axle, radius arms, Panhard rod, half elliptic leaf springs.
Chassis Numbers
Additional codes with number
DN suffix means car is fitted with overdrive
BW suffix means car is fitted with automatic gearbox
P prefix  means car is fitted with power steering
2.4 100001-121769 (RHD models)
125001-128405 (LHD models).
3.4 150001-172095 (RHD models)
175001-181571 (LHD models)
3.8 200001-235383 (RHD models)
210001-224758 (LHD models)
Engine Numbers See the compact sedans engine number page
Standard Equipment Leather seats, fog/spot lights.Hub caps (standard wheels)
Note: Leather seats were fitted as standard until 1967, the last year of manufacture, when Ambla became standard, with leather still optional to keep base cost down. The fog/spot lights also became optional at this time.
Options Automatic transmission, overdrive, wire wheels (in body color, chrome or stove enamel), wheel trims for steel wheels (available either as trim rings for use with standard hubcap, or a complete wheeltrim ring which replaced the hubcap), Laminated windshield, various radios, heated rear window, rear childproof locks, seatbelts, steel sliding sunroof (very rarely fitted), wood rim steering wheel, reclining front seats. Power steering was optional on 3.4 and 3.8 models from september 1960 (1961 model year). In addition special paint finishes were available to special order.