1952 Jaguar Mk II 3.8

Jaguar’s mid size luxury saloon of the early 1960s is very much in line with Sir Williams Lyon’s advertising slogan : Grace…Space…Pace and was available in three XK engine versions of 2.4, 3.4 and 3.8l engines. We have been entrusted to give the top of the range 1962 3.8l a thorough once over and bring it back to the life as the “quick getaway” classic it used to be. The custodian of the 3.8 described how he enjoys summer trips to Le Mans Classic and how he would like to show once again the superiority of the 3.8 in the fast lane.

A restoration plan was drawn in on the white board, including a complete engine and carburettors rebuild to factory standard. gearbox upgrade to a more modern 5 speed, certain areas of metalwork addressed and a partial respray, rear axle rebuild, front axle complete rebuild using modern 4 pot calipers and Vicarage hydraulic powersteering.

Photography by Virgiliu Andone

The engine was stripped and machining complete including new seats, guides, valves, rear crank oil ‘non drip’ oil seal conversion, bottom end weight balanced, new pistons. We have later fitted and tested the newly built engine and rebuilt SU HD6 carburettors on our test bed before fitting it to the Jaguar. The gearbox provided by Guy Broad Spares of Coventry was matted to the engine using an uprated clutch. All aluminium parts were aquablasted using our Vixen aquablaster. Both axles were stripped and rebuilt from scratch using motorsport precision, all nuts and bolts were lock marked, all brakes were lock wired. Our expert fabricator and panel beater attended to the metalwork in the lower section of the MK II and all areas of rust concern were rectified as required. The exhaust was uprated to a Classic Fabs system giving the 3.8 that extra sporty voice making a spirited drive even more enjoyable.

Following the complete reassembly, we have spent around 200 miles testing all functionality and further bedding in the newly built engine. Using only the best Millers Classic Oils lubricants, after 500 miles we have later changed the running in oil to the high performance long life oil.

If you would like to discuss the rejuvenation of your Jaguar MK II, please don’t hesitate to get in touch using the contact form below or via our usual contact details :

0115 9262266 or info@thorntonrestorations.com