Jaguar Mk2 saloon (1959 - 1967)

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 over engineered (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 windshield 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 ancillary instruments and controls placed in the centre. 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. Time also makes a thoroughbred, whether it was manufactured in large quantities or just 'bespoke'. The Mk 2 drove better than the best and even now, the design looks perfect. I think the 3.4 was the best balanced. 3.8 models with wire wheels had a tendency to break spokes, until Jaguar discovered that it was not good engineering practice to chrome the spoke ends. Quality suffered once Jaguar became part of the BMC group. The rear of the car was always delicate and it was not wise to tow with the vehicle as the back would begin to droop. MK 2 3.4 litre Wheelbase 2730 mm 107.5 in   Track front 1403 mm 55.2 in   rear 1356 mm 53.4 in   Length 4591 mm 180.7 in   Width 1695 mm 66.7 in   Height 1460 mm 57.5 in   Ground clearance 178 mm 7 in   Kerb weight 1448 kg 3192 lb   Fuel capacity 54.6 litres 12 UK Gal 14.4 US Gal engine Manufacturer Jaguar Type S-6 DOHC 12 valves total 2 valves per cylinder Bore × stroke 83.00mm × 106.00mm 3.27 in × 4.17 in Bore/Stroke ratio 0.78 Displacement 3442 cc (210.044 cu in) Unitary capacity 573.67 cc/cylinder Compression ratio 8.00:1 Fuel system 2 SU carbs Aspiration Normal Max. output (Gross) 212.9 PS (210.0 bhp) (156.6 kW) @5500 rpm Max. torque (Gross) 291.0 Nm (215 lbft) (29.7 kgm) @3000 rpm Coolant Water Specific output 61 bhp/litre 1 bhp/cu in Specific torque 84.54 Nm/litre 0-50mph (80 km/h) 9.00s 0-Quarter-mile 19.10s  0-Kilometre   Top speed 193 km/h Power-to-weight 145.03 bhp/ton chassis Engine location Front Engine alignment Longitudinal Turns lock-to-lock 4.300 Turning circle 10.20 m Suspension Front I.CS. Rear Cant.SE. Brakes F/R Di/Di-S Transmission 4M Drive RWD Top gear ratio 1.00 Final drive ratio 3.54