02 October 2024 | General News
Although it carried over many elements of its predecessor’s monocoque bodyshell, the Mk2 was surprisingly different in overall appearance. Biggest changes were above the waistline, which saw a dramatic increase in glass area; the side windows were deeper, the windscreen was larger and the rear screen was of a wrap-around design. Combined with a redesigned grille and new-look lights, the effect was quite dramatic, with the Mk2 having the appearance of a genuinely new car.
Mechanically, meanwhile, there were plenty of familiar features, including continued use of its predecessor’s 2.4- and 3.4-litre straight-six XK powerplants, now complemented by a range-topping 3.8-litre version. Other improvements included the standard fitment of Dunlop disc brakes, as well as a wider track for improved handling. Early cars were offered with either a Borg Warner automatic or Moss four-speed (plus overdrive) manual transmission, with the latter replaced by a fully-synchromesh Jaguar manual ’box by September 1965.
The Mk2 remained on sale through to late 1967, when it was usurped by two re-branded versions – the Jaguar 240 and 340 – featuring slimline bumpers, Ambla vinyl upholstery (leather was now an extra-cost option) and other updates. They would be short-lived, however, with the 340 ceasing production as early as 1968, while the 240 lingered on until the following year.
Production figures for the entire Mk2-based line-up make impressive reading, with the 3.8 model being the most successful. Out of the 83,980 Mk2s built between 1959 and ’67, a healthy 30,141 were the 3.8 flagship, with the 2.4 and 3.4 models achieving sales of 25,173 and 28,666 respectively. The short-lived 240 and 340 models, meanwhile, attracted 4446 and 2788 buyers respectively.