Car Nostalgia: The Mark II Jag
Objects that are crafted and engineered to luxury precision standards are more than just the sum of their parts – they stand as symbols for a sought-after lifestyle. Over the years many beautiful and charismatic cars have provided the backdrop to on-screen characters, but there is one vehicle manufacturer that has captivated me with both quality features and personality – the Jaguar brand.
Jaguar Cars Made Famous By Popular Culture
There are Jags that have enjoyed unforgettably glamorous film fame, such as the “Shaguar” in Austin Powers. This Union Jacked E-Type epitomises the fabulous, decadent, racy lifestyle of the time along with all that is pompously fun. It is quintessentially English in that eccentric way, with its ridiculously long bonnet and bold curves it prompted Enzo Ferrari to describe the E-Type as “The most beautiful car ever made”.
In the seventies, Jaguar supplied its XJS model to the production team of The Saint. In this popular TV series, the Jag chased down criminals and graced the screen with its beautifully swept lines and growling V12 engine.
Nostalgia for the Jag Mark II
My favourite Jag, the Mark II, has wielded a powerful influence over me for most of my life, in part due to its glamorous on-screen presence and in part because my uncle was the proud owner of one. His enthusiasm for his vehicular joy was unbridled and spilled unapologetically onto those around him. Many a Sunday afternoon I found myself thrilling to the purr and powerful gallop of this stylish car.
Personal memories aside, the Mark II Jaguar is truly a beautiful car in its own right, and abounds in both character and high-end features. It is roomy, plushly comfortable and has a sense of understated, exclusive superiority. This Jag seems to me as if it floats along the road and commands attention wherever it goes. To my mind, it has the class that stands the test of time.
Other Jags have had their share of massive popularity, such as the unforgettable E-Type. I still feel however that the Mark II has maintained its dignified standing regardless of the passage of time. Its elegant lines perfectly compliment its superb performance characteristics, which are highly impressive for this type of a medium sized saloon car that was in production from 1959 to 1967.
Speaking of performance capabilities, this A 3.4 litre car with automatic transmission was tested by The Motor Magazine in 1961, who found it had a top speed of 119.9 mph (193.0 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 11.9 seconds. To give you an idea of high-end car prices back in that time, the model they tested on cost £1951, including taxes of £614.
A 3.8 litre version with a 220 bhp engine was also released. It was capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 8.5 seconds and could reach a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h). This was highly impressive at the time.
The Mark II was even adopted by the police force for its superior performance in patrolling British roads. Ironically, it was also seen as an ultra cool ‘gangster ride’. On TV, this sexy car was the mode of transport for the famous Inspector Morse, played by John Thaw. It was also successfully raced in the European Touring Car Championship.
What’s more, the Mark II’s famously sexy body lines and overall layout became so popular over time that they were the inspiration for both the Jaguar S-Type introduced in 1999 and the smaller X-Type which made its debut in 2001. Its legacy continues.
Conclusion
The Mark II Jag to me stands out as one of the quintessential examples of British luxury, quirk and style. Arguably one of Jaguar’s finest offerings ever, I have promised myself to somehow get my hands on one of these timeless vintage models at some point in the not too distant future.
About the Author: Stephen Gransville is a Jag car enthusiast.
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