Production Years Covered:
1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969
Chassis Code Series:
Jaguar Mark 2 (JNM)
Positioning:
The Jaguar Mark 2 represented a significant evolution in British sports saloons, blending performance, luxury, and elegant styling. It was positioned as a premium offering, competing with vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, Rover, and other luxury marques, but offering a distinctively sporty character.
Competitors:
Competed with models such as the Rover P5, Daimler V8 250, Wolseley 6/110, and smaller models from Mercedes-Benz like the W110/W111 sedans. Its performance often placed it against more expensive cars.
Design:
Iconic 'Ian Callum' inspired styling (though designed by William Lyons and Malcolm Sayer), sleek profile, large glasshouse, prominent grille.
Performance:
Renowned for its powerful XK engines and excellent handling for its era, often referred to as a 'poor man's E-Type'.
Interior:
Luxurious appointments including leather seating, wood veneers, and a driver-focused cockpit.
Diy Savings:
Enables owners to perform their own maintenance and repairs, significantly reducing costs associated with specialist workshops.
Ease Of Use:
Features step-by-step instructions and clear visuals to simplify complex procedures.
Engine:
All engine variants (2.4L, 3.4L, 3.8L - specific to 240/340 models which primarily featured the 2.4 and 3.4 liter XK engines), tuning, diagnostics, overhaul, cooling, lubrication, fuel, exhaust.
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmissions (Moss 4-speed manual with overdrive, BorgWarner DG Automatic), clutch, driveshafts, differentials.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, discs (front and rear), handbrake, adjustments, maintenance, overhaul.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, bushings, steering geometry, steering box overhaul.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, ignition system (Lucas), charging system (generator/alternator), starter motor, instrumentation, auxiliary systems.
Bodywork:
Chassis, body panels, doors, windows, upholstery, trim, heating, ventilation, soundproofing.
Fuel System:
Carburetors (SU HD6, Zenith-Stromberg), fuel pumps, fuel lines, tank.
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications.
Lubrication System:
Oil pump, oil filter, oil pressure, oil specifications.
Maintenance:
Routine servicing, lubrication, fluid changes, filter replacement, tune-ups.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults across all systems.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for disassembly, repair, and reassembly of all major components and sub-systems.
Overhaul:
Complete engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake system rebuild, suspension overhaul.
Adjustment:
Carburetor synchronization and tuning, ignition timing, valve clearance adjustment, brake adjustments.
Specifications:
Torque settings, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values.
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers basic maintenance to full mechanical and electrical system overhauls, suitable for both home mechanics and professional technicians.
Engine Type:
Inline-6, DOHC, Jaguar XK engine
Displacement 240:
2.4 Liters (2483 cc)
Displacement 340:
3.4 Liters (3442 cc)
Horsepower 2.4:
120 bhp @ 5000 rpm (Standard Tune)
Torque 2.4:
163 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm (Standard Tune)
Horsepower 3.4:
210 bhp @ 5500 rpm (Standard Tune)
Torque 3.4:
231 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (Standard Tune)
Carburetors:
2 x SU HD6 (2.4) or 2 x SU HD8 (3.4) Twin Carburetor Setup
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (with appropriate octane rating; historically leaded petrol)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 10 Imperial Pints (5.7 Liters) with filter change
Ignition System:
Lucas Ignition System (Distributor, Coil, Spark Plugs)
Standard Transmission:
Moss Manual Gearbox (4-speed with Laycock de Normanville Overdrive)
Optional Transmission:
BorgWarner DG Automatic Transmission (3-speed)
Clutch:
Single dry plate clutch (Manual)
Overdrive:
Laycock de Normanville overdrive (selectable 3rd and 4th gears in manual transmission)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 90, though specific older specs might be noted)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron-II or equivalent (BorgWarner recommended type)
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (No formal crash testing standards existed in the modern sense for vehicles of this era)
Brakes:
Girling hydraulic disc brakes on all four wheels (standard on later models and optional on earlier ones), providing excellent stopping power for the time.
Seatbelts:
Lap belts were often optional or retrofitted; 3-point belts became more common later in the production run.
Body Structure:
Integrated body and chassis construction, offering better rigidity than body-on-frame designs of some contemporaries.
Lighting:
Halogen headlamps (on later models) provided improved nighttime visibility.
Radio:
Optional period radios, typically AM band. Modern aftermarket head units often retrofitted.
Heating Ventilation:
Integral heater unit and dashboard vents for fresh air circulation. Often supplemented by optional air conditioning in later years.
Power Steering:
Burman recirculating ball power steering system standard on 3.8L and optional on 3.4L models, significantly easing low-speed maneuverability.
Braking Assistance:
No modern electronic driver assistance systems. Braking performance relied on hydraulic systems and disc brakes.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Manual suggests 5,000 miles in favourable conditions.
Grease Points:
Regular lubrication of suspension and steering components (every 1,000-2,000 miles).
Ignition Tune Up:
Spark plug replacement, points gap adjustment, ignition timing check typically every 6,000 - 12,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
API SF/CD rated oil, SAE 20W-50 (or as per ambient temperature; e.g., 10W-30 for colder climates). Consult manual for exact specification at time of manufacture.
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze mixed with water (50/50 ratio recommended).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (Glycol-based).
Engine:
Oil leaks from rear crankshaft seal, potential timing chain wear, carburetor synchronization issues, overheating if cooling system is not maintained.
Suspension Steering:
Wear in suspension bushings, kingpins, and steering rack, leading to imprecise steering and wander.
Electrical:
Lucas electrics can be temperamental; wiring harness degradation over time, generator output issues.
Bodywork:
Rust in common areas such as sills, wheel arches, floor pans, and around the windscreen.
Oil Filter Example:
Fram PH5, Wix 51078, AC-Delco X1218P (Cross-reference required based on specific engine variant).
Spark Plug Example:
NGK BP6ES, Champion N12Y (Consult manual for exact plug type and gap).
Heritage:
Jaguar, founded by Sir William Lyons, has a long-standing reputation for producing elegant, high-performance luxury cars and sports cars, often at a price point below its more established competitors.
Predecessor:
Directly evolved from the Jaguar 2.4 Litre and 3.4 Litre models introduced in 1955, featuring a revised body shell with increased glass area and a wider track.
Evolution To 240 340:
The '240' and '340' were later iterations of the Mark 2, introduced in 1967 as a more cost-effective variant to compete with increasing market pressure. They featured simplified trim, reduced chrome, and often the 2.4 and 3.4 engines, with the 3.8 liter engine being phased out for these variants.
Manufacturing Location:
Coventry, England
Total Production Mark 2:
Approximately 25,000 units (including all engine variants and the 240/340 sub-models).
Iconic Status:
The Mark 2 became an icon of 1960s British motoring and is strongly associated with police vehicles (due to its performance) and successful individuals.
Automotive Press:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists of its era for its performance, handling, and stylish design, often outperforming contemporary rivals from more established luxury brands.
Classic Car Value:
Highly regarded by classic car enthusiasts and collectors, commanding strong values in the market, particularly for well-maintained or restored examples.
Historical Significance:
Recognized as a significant model in Jaguar's history and a classic British sports saloon.
