Jaguar Mark 2

[4] The Mark 2 was a fast and capable saloon in line with Sir William Lyons' 1950s advertising slogan: Grace .

Production of the 3.8 ended in the (northern) autumn of 1967, with discounted sale of the 3.4 continuing on as the 340 until September 1968, and the 2.4 as the 240 until April 1969.

[citation needed] Aware of the importance of the quotable numbers to the US market Jaguar continued to use claimed gross bhp figures throughout the production period of the Mk II and 240/340 models.

[citation needed] The new car was re-engineered above the waistline, with vision dramatically improved by an 18% increase in cabin glass area.

There was an improved instrument layout that became standard for all Jaguar cars until the XJ series II of 1973.

[6][7] The front suspension geometry was rearranged to raise the roll centre and the rear track widened.

It now had a straight-port type cylinder head and twin HS6 SU carburettors with a new inlet manifold.

The 240 and 340 models retained cost-saving downgrades that had appeared a year earlier in the Mark 2 series.

Standard leather upholstery was replaced by Ambla, a leather-like synthetic material, and tufted carpet was used on the floor.

The front fog lamps were replaced with circular vents and made optional for the UK market.

As well as being significantly more powerful than the inline 6-cylinder 2.4-litre XK, the more modern Daimler engine was shorter and also lighter by about 150 lb (68 kg).

This significant reduction in mass over the front wheels and redistribution of weight to the rear reduced understeer during hard cornering.

[15] Japanese automaker Mitsuoka Motors produced the Viewt in 1994, a subcompact hatchback with Jaguar MK2 features.

[16] The Mark 2 gained a reputation as a capable car among criminals and law enforcement alike; the 3.8 litre model being particularly fast with its 220 bhp (164 kW) engine driving the car from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 8.5 seconds and to a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h) with enough room for five adults.

1968 Jaguar 340
The Mark 2 interior remained luxuriously appointed with Jaguar's characteristic burr walnut
1969 Daimler V8-250, showing Daimler grille fluting
1994 Mitsuoka Viewt , inspired by the design of the Jaguar MK2
Jaguar Mark 2, on French Paris plates