Footnotes

'One of the most impressive sights today is the rapid and purposeful progress of a Mark 2 Jaguar on a motorway, eating up the miles in the fast lane. Like the nose of a bullet, the rounded frontal shape looks right for high speed, and the sheer velocity attained is usually exhilarating.' - Autocar.

One of the most readily recognised cars of the 1960s thanks in part to countless appearances in films and on television, Jaguar's seminal Mk2 saloon set the standard for the class throughout its entire production life and today remains highly prized by enthusiasts. With the advent of the Mk2 in October 1959, the 3.8-litre version of Jaguar's XK twin-cam six became available for the first time in the company's medium-sized saloon, which in top-of-the-range, 3.8-litre, manual/overdrive configuration was a genuine 125mph car capable of reaching 60mph in 8.5 seconds, outstanding figures for a saloon of its size even by today's standards.

Representing the Jaguar Mk2 in its ultimate 3.8-litre, manual/overdrive configuration, this example was purchased by The Delight Makers Foundation on the 1st August 2012 with the sole intention of restoring it to original factory specification. A UK-registered charity, The Delight Makers was established to create projects that all people can participate in and benefit from; projects that unite nations, races, genders, generations and cultures. In the charity's own words, its projects are 'beautiful, inspiring, joyful and celebratory, allowing each individual to contribute the gift of their unique essence and wisdom to the beauty of the whole. Our measurement for success is to see wealth redefined to one determined by the level of happiness and laughter in the world's children.'

Chassis number '231683DN'was sold new to a Mr Divito in January 1964 and still carries his personal registration '5764 D'. After four further owners, the car was dry stored from February 1976 to August 2006 when it was re-commissioned in order to obtain a new-style V5 registration document, and authenticated by the Jaguar Drivers' Club. '5764 D' then remained idle until purchased by the vendor in 2012. The current odometer reading is only 54,382.

Upon initial inspection the 'all-matching-numbers' car appeared to be 100% original. Indeed, apart from the bonnet and two-pack paint (exterior only) everything else was to factory specification. Every last washer, spring and shim has been painstakingly removed and restored to its former glory, using the traditional materials, tools and methods employed by Jaguar at the time.

Fastidious attention to detail is what sets '5764 D' apart from most of its peers. The use of reproduction materials and components was eschewed for the rebuild, the aim being to achieve what is believed to be the finest and most historically correct Jaguar Mk2 in the world today. All original panels were used and a full mechanical and electrical rebuild undertaken using only new-old-stock parts where required. Even the interior has utilised animal glues, shellac, and horsehair soundproofing and wadding, as per original, in order to recreate that 'new car' smell of 1964, right down to the correct grade of kid leather that was used prior to 1965.

The car has been stripped to the bare bodyshell and etch-primed utilising modern under-seal technology developed by Bentley, effectively shrink wrapping the underside in textured latex. This allows one to observe all the original hand beaten panel work from 1964 prior to delivery, when they were brush-painted with bitumen.

Because of the inherent problems associated with the opalescent metallic cellulose paints of the 1960s (i.e. dullness) '5764 D' has been painted using two-pack technology, although an over-tint has been applied in order to give the correct refraction expected of cellulose. Nothing has been overlooked in the restoration of '5764 D'. Fully restored, it remains up to 98% the original car that left the Coventry factory in late 1963 and was loved and admired by the first owner in January 1964.

The Coombs-type louvered bonnet is believed to be an original factory fitment. For those wishing to complete the 'Coombs' look, a set of Coombs spats, black-painted wire wheels (x4) and an E-Type Series 1 steering wheel are included in the sale together with a Radiomobile 600T radio.

Accompanying paperwork includes 300-plus photographs of the rebuild and a full explanatory book; complete Jaguar purchase pack from new including manufacturer's warranty, etc; the original old-style logbook; number plate transfer document (1965); a quantity of pre-1974 MoTs and tax discs; and all bills pertaining to the restoration (over £110,000 in labour costs alone).

The successful purchaser will not only have the satisfaction of owning what must be one of the finest Jaguar Mk2s currently available but also that of knowing that they have aided a most worthy cause.