This Jaguar Mk2 with the most desirable combination of 3.8-litre XK engine and manual gearbox with overdrive, was built in July 1962 and first registered by Henlys of Manchester in late August of that year.

Originally painted in cream with a light blue interior, this Mk2 had an extensive restoration in 1997 and underwent a colour change to the dark blue over grey that you see today.

The current owner, the sixth registered, bought the car in March 2012 and, although used sparingly, has kept the Mk2 regularly serviced and in good condition.

Refinished in Jaguar’s Dark Blue during its restoration in the late nineties, the car’s exterior still cuts an impressive figure as the bonnet leaper purrs past. The four lamps in echelon around the ovoid grille sat above the chromed front bumper with overriders is such a beautifully classic Jaguar visage, and the rakish profile of the Mk2 is sporting perfection.

The paint condition is good with a deep lustre, although understandably not without the occasional scratch or chip that you’d expect of a 25 year old finish - albeit a well cared for one. The body panels appear straight and well aligned with even gapping.

The chrome fittings and trims around the car are still bright with a light patina but no significant deterioration or damage, just the occasional pimpling in the chrome such as on the top of the boot lid handle.

The car sits on 15-inch chromed wire wheels, which are in reasonable condition with the beginnings of rust breaking through between the spokes and pitting and scratching on the knock-off spinners. All are fitted with Pirelli P4000 Super Touring tyres with good tread depth.

Again during the earlier restoration, the interior was retrimmed in a grey leather with blue piping as a nod to the outside. The seat facings have vertical pleats, again piped in blue around the panels.

All of the upholstery looks to be in a fabulous condition, with very little wear or patina - just the odd nick in the leather on the driver’s door card. The front seats have inertia-reel seatbelts fitted and there are fixed belts across the rear bench seating.

Of particular note is the magnificent honey-coloured walnut burr veneer. It has a near-liquid lustre and forms almost the entire dash, pillar trims and door tops with just the Smiths gauges and toggle switches in the centre backed with black vinyl.

The original black steering wheel is retained with the car but has been swapped out for a racier looking wood-rimmed Moto-Lita, which complements the wooden dash. In the centre console, a nineties-era Alpine Radio Cassette player with boot-mounted CD-changer and removable fascia has been fitted.

The carpets are dark blue and edge-trimmed in leather and appear intact throughout. Up above the soft-feel headlining looks clean and taut with no evident sagging

The engine bay is clean and honest-looking with many components or their mountings carrying a little patina to show their age. The large intake silencer sits atop the XK and has a few dings and scratches. We can see from the history file though, that the mechanicals have been regularly serviced and fettled by specialists to keep the car in a good, usable condition.

The undersides also appear in a good, largely clean, condition with the paint and underseal coating the chassis structures and floor pans likely to be that applied during the restoration 25 years ago, which has held up well. There are, inevitably with the passing years, numerous signs of rust - including along the top of the sills in the door shuts - but no obvious areas of significant corrosion just yet. However, bidders should satisfy themselves by using the ‘Contact Seller’ option to arrange an inspection.

The boot carpet and linings are clean and undamaged, as is the floor underneath. Present is the full size spare wire wheel bearing an older Avon tyre, a jack and what looks like the original steering wheel, should the new owner wish to swap out the Moto-Lita.

The engine bay is clean and honest-looking with many components or their mountings carrying a little patina to show their age. The large intake silencer sits atop the XK and has a few dings and scratches. We can see from the history file though, that the mechanicals have been regularly serviced and fettled by specialists to keep the car in a good, usable condition.

The undersides also appear in a good, largely clean, condition with the paint and underseal coating the chassis structures and floor pans likely to be that applied during the restoration 25 years ago, which has held up well. There are, inevitably with the passing years, numerous signs of rust - including along the top of the sills in the door shuts - but no obvious areas of significant corrosion just yet. However, bidders should satisfy themselves by using the ‘Contact Seller’ option to arrange an inspection.

The boot carpet and linings are clean and undamaged, as is the floor underneath. Present is the full size spare wire wheel bearing an older Avon tyre, a jack and what looks like the original steering wheel, should the new owner wish to swap out the Moto-Lita.

The Jaguar Mk2 is a popular option in the classic car scene - and for good reason. Particularly in 3.8-litre form, it is both beautiful and swift and, thanks to recent screen appearances and general comfort levels, it appeals to a wide cross-section of buyers, regardless of their age or mobility.

This car was subject to an earlier restoration but appears to have been driven sparingly and well-looked-after since, and it has been serviced and maintained by highly-respected classic car specialists. We think it will sell for between £26,000 and £32,000.

Such cars do need garaging properly, with an eye on humidity levels to limit deterioration. But more than anything, this Jaguar begs to be taken out and driven - and putting in your best bid might just see you with your string-back-gloved hands on the Moto-Lita!

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

If needed, please remember we have a network of trusted suppliers we work with regularly and can recommend: Classic & Sportscar Finance for purchase-financing, Footman James for classic car insurance Thames Valley Car Storage for storing your car and AnyVan for transporting it.

BORING, but IMPORTANT: Please note that whilst we at The Market always aim to offer the most descriptive and transparent auction listings available, we cannot claim they are perfect analyses of any of the vehicles for sale. We offer far greater opportunity for bidders to view, or arrange inspections for each vehicle thoroughly prior to bidding than traditional auctions, and we never stop encouraging bidders to take advantage of this. We do take a good look at the vehicles delivered to our premises for sale, but this only results in our unbiased personal observations, not those of a qualified inspector or other professional, or the result of a long test drive.

Also, localised paint repairs are common with collectable and classic cars and if they have been professionally carried out then they may be impossible to detect, even if we see the car in person. So, unless we state otherwise, please assume that this vehicle may have had remedial bodywork at some point in its life.

Additionally, please note that most of the videos on our site have been recorded using simple cameras which often result in 'average' sound quality; in particular, engines and exhaust notes can sound a little different to how they are in reality.

Please note that this is sold as seen and that, as is normal for used goods bought at auction, the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. See our FAQs for more info, and feel free to inspect any vehicle as much as you wish.