The Racers Weapon and the Perfect Getaway Car The Jaguar Mk II 3.8 might be one of the most contradictory car ever built. Launched in 1959, it looked like a respectable British saloon for doctors, lawyers and gentlemen of means polished walnut dash, Connolly leather hides, even fold-down picnic trays in the back so a passenger could read the paper in comfort. But underneath that polite exterior lurked a snarling twin-cam six pumping out a factory 220hp, with four-wheel disc brakes, a limited-slip diff and a body shape slippery enough to earn the title fastest saloon car in the world.
Bank Robbers and Bob Jane That combination of civility and sheer pace made the Mk II 3.8 the car of choice for two very different crowds. In Britain during the 1960s, it was the uncatchable getaway car. Armed blokes in balaclavas loved it because nothing else could out-run the coppers better unless the police had a Mk II too, which they eventually did.
Meanwhile, back in Australia, Bob Jane was making headlines for all the right reasons. He hustled his Mk II 3.8 to two straight Australian Touring Car Championships in 62 and 63. The standout moment? Clocking 242 km/h down Conrod Straight at Bathurst in 1962. To put that in perspective, a decade later the mighty Ford Falcon XY GT-HO Phase III a car that still makes grown men weak at the knees managed 246 km/h. Impressive company for a gentleman’s saloon with picnic tables.
Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing Jaguar nailed the formula: luxury on the inside, hooligan underneath. It could carry four adults in comfort, stop better than anything else of its time, and out-run most so-called sports cars. Even today, a well-kept Mk II 3.8 is totally usable and enjoyable in modern traffic. It goes, stops and handles with surprising confidence and still makes all the right noises when those twin SU carburettors clear their throats and growl out loud.
3.8 Identification For collectors and enthusiasts, originality matters. Genuine 3.8s are quite easy to identify: all chassis numbers start with 2, and the engines carry LA, LB, LC. or LE prefixes. Cars with matching numbers and history are the ones to have. First question everyone will ask you when you pull up Is it a real 3.8? Best to answer Yes.
Summary The Jaguar Mk II 3.8 was, in every sense, a wolf in sheep’s clothing the racers weapon, the crooks escape plan, and the gentleman’s daily driver. Whether it was Bob Jane flying down Conrod Straight or a bank robber flying out of the ANZ, the Mk II 3.8 was the one car that could do it all. At Chicane Auctions, we know exactly why the Mk II 3.8 still captures imaginations today: it’s a bloody terrific allrounder.
Just make sure your buying one for a Weekend driver not for suspiciously idling outside the local bank branch please.
Chicane Auctions Upcoming October 23rd Auction
And here’s the best part you don’t need to raid a bank to buy one. Chicane Auctions are offering a nicely restored and genuine Jaguar Mk II 3.8, as pictured, in their upcoming October 23rd Classic and Performance Car Auction. For collectors, enthusiasts, or anyone who’s always fancied themselves behind the wheel of the ultimate 1960s wolf in sheep’s clothing, this could be your car!
Auction Details:
Genuine Jaguar Mk11 3.8 Estimate Price Guide: $35,000 $45,000+ Location: Chicane Auctions Showroom, Melbourne Inspections: By appointment Auction Start: Thursday October 16th Auction Close: Thursday October 23rd from 8:30pm (AEST) Bidding: Online Event Open to Bid by anyone & everyone Australia wide.
