1959 Mark II 2.4 LHD
 

Hi ! Brand new member and this is my first post ! I have had a 1959 Jaguar Mark II, 2.4 litre, LHD, 4 speed for over 40 years stored in my garage. It hasn't been driven only but twice in the last 40 years, both within the last 20 years when I had a foreign repair place go through the whole car, then had it re-painted with the original color and enamel. I bought the leather interior and never had it installed. It's still in the boxes and supple. The car doesn't run, and just sits inside with 4 flat tires, becoming more forlorn as time goes on, and it's been ignored.


I have been told that a LHD, 2.4, 1959 Mark II is extremely rare, and in fact some folks refuse to believe me. The plate in the engine compartment shows it being sold in Paris, France by Royal-Elysees Ch. F. Delcroix. It has a Car Number of 125994, Engine Number BG7266-8, Gearbox Number 42448J.S., Body Number 1851.. and maybe an additional 4?

Can anyone tell me how many of these cars (1959, 2.4, LHD, 4 speeds) were made, and if indeed it's rare, or just another moldy old Mark II ? - and maybe a SWAG of what it might be worth ?

Welcome, Mark. The LHD Mark 2 2.4 started production in Oct 1959 with chassis number 125001, so yours is the 994th one produced. By the time production ended in Sept 1967, 3405 LHD models had been produced. By comparison, 6571 LHD 3.4 and 14759 LHD 3.8 were produced during the Mark 2 run. The 2.4 litre car was rare in the US since it was considered underpowered by US standards, so most LHD 2.4 models went to the Continent. Tough to say how much the car is worth - crucially dependent upon the car's condition and finding the "right" buyer. If yours has some of the unique early Mark 2 features (e.g., are the sun visors recessed into the headliner?...see Nigel Thorley's book on "Original MkI/MkII"), it might be worth more to the Anorak Brigade.

BTW, I used to own a RHD 1967 240 in the mid-70s, the follow-on to the Mk2 2.4 - the 240 had twin SU carbs replacing the Solex on the 2.4, the wonderful full-synchro gearbox, and a better breathing cylinder head. The 240 was quite peppy - at the time, here in the US, my 240 was actually faster than the new XJ6 being sold here (prior to the US-version 4.2 becoming fuel injected, the XJ6 of that era was becoming significantly hampered by the various emissions kludges that the factory was bolting on). I enjoyed the 240 immensely and only sold it to enter into my Lotus phase. That 2.4 litre XK engine is a wonderful high-revver (compared to the longer stroke variants).

Just to say welcome to the forum Mark. Wow 40 years in your garage, seems a shame not to use it a bit more.

I don't know what it is worth, but originality and condition are king when it comes to Classic cars.

Good info from Mike.

I have a rhd 2.4
 

I have a rhd 1961 Mk2 2.4 here in Connecticut. The car was assembled and imported from South Africa. The same owner switched the dual solex to SU carbs so it has a bit more punch than most 2.4s It won't win any races, but is a great motor and cruises effortlessly (in OD) at 70MPH. I am looking for a red leather interior.
Josh

2.4L MKII
 

Hey Mark,
Similar story here (new user too), I have a 59 LHD MKII (Midnight Blue / Red Leather) that I have owned since 1970, VIN 125036. I think the car was originally in Canada. I bought it from a ford dealer in Denver, CO, ran it and alternately towed it for many years. I finally had it restored by Jaguar Denver and later had the Solex carbs re-done by Eurasian Carburetor in Treadwell New York, great work and a reasonable price at Eurasian.
If anyone can point me in the direction of the SU mod I would appreciate it. Otherwise looking for new Solex linkage.

Thanks,
RHansgen

Generally speaking the 2.4 litre cars are worth less than the larger engine cars. However apart from the engine, they are identical, as Jaguar did not vary the trim on the Mark 2 at all.


I rebuilt a 2.4 Mark 2 and it was a lovely car to drive, the engine was beautifully smooth and high revving.


At the time I sold it, (1988) a classic car boom was on, and I was told if the car had been a 3.8, I would have got double the price. Things may be different now, but I suspect not much.


Best to sell it to somebody who can re-commission it, and give it some use. Taking on a car which hasn't run for so long, and which obviously cannot be checked out by road test is a gamble, so I suspect any offers will not be particularly high.

59 MKII
 

Thanks Fraser,
I think you saw Mark Shaw's original post that I replied to, not noticing the post date.
My MKII is basically a daily driver with carburetor linkage issues. I have not been successful in getting the linkage to stay solid, hence to search for an SU upgrade or new linkage.


Cheers,
Rick Hansgen

Rick,

You might have a chat with Donovan Motorcars in Lenox Mass. They are very knowledgeable about Old Jags and may have an answer for you.

Josh

lyonsfin
 

Thanks Josh, I'll check them out

In my experience, the Mk2 with the 2.4 litre unit had SU HS6 carburettors fitted when new, although some may have had the HD6 fitted instead depending on the MY and destination market.

The jets and needles can be changed to suit driving styles and fuel economy targets. Check eBay and other sources for the carburettors and linkage.

My 64 2.4, MK 2 LHD 4-speed, has the same Royal-Elysees plate. Mine was dark blue with black interior. Parted and stored at this time.

lots of companies here in the UK sell nearly everything for various carbs, even some linkages!! Look at the adds .
Barry