Introduced in 1959, the Jaguar Mk2 became one of the most iconic British sedans. It built on the formula pioneered by the Mk1: combining the performance of a sports car, the comfort of a true four-door sedan, and Jaguar’s signature refinement. With its rounded lines, slender pillars, and generous glass surfaces, it boasts a particularly balanced silhouette. Inside, the leather, wood trim, and numerous instruments create an instantly recognizable atmosphere.

The Mk2 helped establish Jaguar’s reputation in the sports sedan segment. Offered with three engine options—2.4, 3.4, and 3.8 liters—it met the expectations of both customers seeking a comfortable car and driving enthusiasts.

The 3.4-liter model is a particularly appealing choice. It is powered by the famous XK engine, a 3,442 cm³ inline-six with dual overhead camshafts, fed by two SU carburetors. Its power output, as announced at the time, was 210 bhp, according to the measurement standards in use then. This engine combines smoothness, character, and plenty of power reserves, along with that distinctive sound that is an integral part of the pleasure of driving a Jaguar.

The four disc brakes, independent front suspension, and attention to comfort round out an ambitious design for a sedan of that era. More than sixty years after its debut, the Mk2 remains a particularly endearing classic car, capable of accommodating family or friends so they can enjoy the open road together.

This 1964 Jaguar Mk2 3.4-liter captivates us as much with its appearance as with its driving pleasure. It’s probably the most beautiful Mk2 we’ve ever offered at Route59, and the most enjoyable to drive.

Its stunning Gun Metal paint finish, paired with a red Connolly leather interior, perfectly accentuates its lines. The spoked wheels, chrome accents, and glossy wood trim round out this exceptionally elegant combination. The car is in exceptional condition, with a rust-free body.

The car underwent a comprehensive and thorough restoration in Germany, accompanied by a substantial file of invoices. The body and frame were rebuilt, the upholstery and woodwork were refurbished, and the engine was completely rebuilt. The brakes, suspension, and major mechanical assemblies also underwent substantial work, followed by documented maintenance.

This restoration was accompanied by improvements that make the car particularly enjoyable to drive:

• Rack-and-pinion power steering, for easy maneuvering and a more effortless driving experience.
• Getrag five-speed transmission, providing greater ease and a noticeable improvement in driving comfort on long trips.
• Stainless steel exhaust system, designed for durability and to enhance the sound of the six-cylinder engine.
• Additional electric fan, to assist with cooling.
• Adjustable Spax shock absorbers, completing the suspension system overhaul.

Power steering and the five-speed transmission are two key strengths. They allow you to fully enjoy the Mk2’s character, with a level of ease that makes you want to get behind the wheel regularly. This Jaguar is just as well-suited for a leisurely drive as it is for a multi-day road trip.

After its restoration, it remained in the Bayerl family for an extended period. Its last German owner was Franz Pesch, identified as a former endurance racer associated with the Gelo Racing Team and a competitor in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It was imported to Belgium in 2025.

A remarkably well-presented Mk2, thoroughly restored and upgraded for the road: exactly the kind of car we love to offer at Route59.

Exceptional History of the Jaguar Mk2 3.4-liter

1964 · Chassis 165727DN · Gun Metal

This Jaguar Mk2 underwent a comprehensive and thorough restoration in Germany, covering the body, the interior, and all major mechanical components. It has since undergone regular maintenance and upgrades designed to make it more user-friendly, including a five-speed Getrag transmission and rack-and-pinion power steering.

The presentation below groups the projects by major topic. Each topic appears only once, under the year of its last documented significant intervention. The summary for each topic covers the work carried out throughout the project; therefore, the year listed does not mean that all operations were performed simultaneously.

More than 150 invoices document its restoration.

1998 Body and Frame

The restoration involved extensive disassembly of the doors, windows, accessories, and interior, followed by repairs to the structure and bodywork. The front crossmember, load-bearing panels, floor, dashboard, pillars, fenders, and wheel wells were repaired as needed. The doors and hoods were adjusted, involving welding, straightening, corrosion treatment, painting, and protection of hollow sections. The color “Gun Metal” is noted in the file.

1998 Upholstery and Woodwork

The interior has been restored with seats upholstered in red Connolly leather, matching door panels, new velour carpeting, and sound-deadening materials. The center console has been modified and reupholstered. The wood trim on the dashboard has been restored, with the veneer repaired and a high-gloss varnish applied. Invoices from specialists document extensive work on the entire interior.

2001 Rear Axle

The rear differential has been serviced, including the replacement of bearings and adjustments. The service history also includes previous deliveries of differential parts, axle seals, and hub seals, which demonstrate that this assembly has been properly maintained.

2002 Transmission and Clutch

The drivetrain was modernized by installing a five-speed Getrag transmission, along with modifications to the flywheel, clutch, driveshaft, and speedometer control. Subsequent work on the clutch and the rear crankshaft seal completes this restoration. The work listed in the 2002 estimate is considered to have been completed, according to the owner’s notes; this document includes a note regarding a down payment.

2003 Cooling

The cooling system has undergone several repairs, including work on the water pump, hoses, and an overhaul of the cooling circuit. An electric fan was added to improve cooling during operation.

2007 Engine and Cylinder Head

The six-cylinder engine underwent a complete overhaul: disassembly, cylinder reboring, new pistons, crankshaft reconditioning, and replacement of the bearings, timing system, and oil pump. A reconditioned cylinder head replaced the one that was too corroded. The work also included valve seats adapted for unleaded gasoline, valve guides and valves, tappet seats, engine sealing, and valve clearance adjustments. The most recent major mechanical work on this vehicle was followed by adjustments in 2007 and routine maintenance in 2011. The service records do not specify the origin of the engine block.

2011 Conductor and Instruments

The car was converted from right-hand drive to left-hand drive, with modifications to the pedals, controls, wiring, and dashboard. A power steering rack was installed, and its lines were subsequently inspected. A kilometer odometer was installed; the tachometer and its drive mechanism were also reworked.

2011 Braking and Running Gear

The entire braking system was overhauled: four calipers, master cylinder, brake booster, hoses, and parking brake. The suspension system features front-end components from a Jaguar XJ6 adapted for spoked wheels, adjustable Spax shock absorbers, leaf springs, and work performed on the joints, the Panhard rod, and the silent blocks. The engine mounts were also replaced or refurbished.

2011 Fuel System, Exhaust, and Equipment

The SU HD6 carburetors have been overhauled and adjusted. The service history also includes work and parts related to the fuel system, notably the fuel pump and the fuel tank. The exhaust system was upgraded with a stainless steel system and subsequently repaired. Work on the vehicle’s systems includes the heating, windshield wipers, windshield washer system, electrical system, and various trim components, with maintenance and adjustments performed through 2011.

Origin and Arrival in Belgium

The car’s history can be traced back to Doris and Paul Peter as early as 1987. A major restoration was undertaken by Markus Schmidt-Märkl after he acquired it in 1998. Professor Thomas Bayerl purchased the restored car in 1999; invoices issued in his name, and later in Sybille Bayerl’s name, document the car’s history within this family through 2011.

The last German owner listed in this history is Franz Pesch, who is listed as the seller on the 2025 contract. Identified in correspondence as the former endurance driver for the Gelo Racing Team, which competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, he adds a connection to motorsports to the car’s provenance. The Jaguar was imported into Belgium in 2025. The total mileage remains unknown due to outdated records and a odometer replacement.

Summary of Major Works

Each line summarizes all of the subject’s work. The year corresponds to the subject’s last documented significant activity, not to the date on which all of the summarized activities took place.