Jaguar Celebrates 60-Years of Mk2
Nobody does anniversaries bigger or better than the British. Jaguar recently marked the 60thanniversary of their iconic Mk 2 and celebrated it by collaborating with a world-famous artist to create some art to pay homage to the individuality, style and creativity behind the classic sedan.
The collaboration goes by the title ‘Rooms by Rankin’, named after internationally renowned fashion and style photographer Rankin. The Mk2 is one of three models being celebrated, with the other two being the Jaguar XE and XF.
The Mk2 is the third and final of the trio to receive the Rankin treatment in the set called ‘Period Drama’ – a bespoke, white-out room complete with a mesmerising pattern of black polka dots. “The Jaguar Mk 2 is a very special car – undeniably beautiful and well-proportioned. I wanted to create something that celebrated the Mk 2’s form and its heritage, but also had a thoroughly modern edge to it. That’s why I chose to use polka dots” says Rankin.
“Polka dots are perfect for the Mk 2. They can be wistfully nostalgic and they also have a modern currency that makes them a timeless classic. Rankin has managed to produce a truly stand-out creation. It’s elegant and has a captivating charm that we all appreciate at Jaguar” added Julian Thomson, Jaguar Design Director.
The Jaguar Mk2 was launched at the Earls Court Motor Show in London back in 1959. It became popular very soon thanks to its daring design, voluptuous curves and the powerful range of engines at their disposal, all sourced from the sportier Jaguar XK. The top-of-the-range engine available in the Mk2 was a 3.8-litre six-cylinder engine capable of producing 164kW of power and a top speed of 201km/h which, at the time, was very quick. This enabled the Mk2 to perform well on the racetrack, earning it some street cred for winning countless races at the hands of drivers like Roy Salvadori and Graham Hill.
Also worth a look: the Jaguar TCS Racing Enters 8th Formula E Season with Top Drive and the Saying goodbye to Jaguar's beloved F-type.
FAQ
Q: What made the Jaguar Mk2 so special when it launched in 1959?
The Jaguar Mk2 became legendary thanks to its gorgeous curves, powerful XK engines, and serious performance credentials. The top-spec 3.8-litre straight-six pumped out 164kW and could hit 201kph, which was properly quick for 1959, and it proved its worth by dominating racetracks across Britain.
Q: How much does a classic Jaguar Mk2 cost in South Africa today?
Decent Jaguar Mk2 examples in South Africa typically range from R450,000 for restoration projects up to R1,200,000 for pristine, numbers-matching cars. The sweet spot for a good driver-quality Mk2 sits around R650,000 to R850,000, depending on engine size and condition.
Q: Is the Jaguar Mk2 worth buying as a classic car investment?
The Mk2 is absolutely worth considering if you want a proper British classic that's both beautiful and usable. Values have been climbing steadily, parts are still available, and there's a strong community of enthusiasts in South Africa, plus it's one of the most elegant saloons ever built.
Q: What should I look for when buying a Jaguar Mk2?
Check for rust in the usual British car spots like sills, boot floors, and around the rear window, ensure the engine hasn't been bodged by previous owners, and verify matching numbers if originality matters to you. The 3.8-litre is the most desirable, but the 2.4-litre and 3.4-litre versions are more affordable and still plenty of fun.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, if you've got R650,000 to R850,000 burning a hole in your pocket and want one of the most gorgeous saloons ever built, the Jaguar Mk2 is an absolute winner. This is proper British automotive royalty that'll turn heads at every cars and coffee meet, sounds magnificent with that straight-six XK engine, and represents solid value in the classic car market. Just budget extra for maintenance because it's still a 60-year-old British car, and make sure you've got a good relationship with a Jaguar specialist. The Mk2 isn't just transport, it's a rolling piece of art that happens to go like stink.
