Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Timbers75 · Joined: 10 Jun 2014 Posts: 1

Advice please! I am total novice re classic cars, but am thinking about getting one for occasional weekend use/fun only. Is a Jag Mk2 suitable for a new starter? I would only be looking to complete VERY basic maintenance myself, as do not have any skills or knowledge of car repairs (is there a good manual for beginners?). Also, is a garage a must for a Mk2, or would it be ok on the drive under a cover, as this could be an issue. I have a reasonable budget (perhaps £6k - £9k) plus running costs assuming these are not too crippling! Any thoughts or advice would be very welcome!

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22788 Location: UK

Welcome to the forum.

A Jaguar Mk2 is a great car, if bought in good condition to begin with.

You'd need to factor in a contingency fund if (when) something more complicated than a basic service is required, judging by what you say. Is there a garage local to you that's capable of working on a Mk2 properly?

A budget of £6k-9k might buy you a usable car, but one that will need ongoing tlc and restoration to keep it running (they all do to a certain extent mind). Project cars are often advertised in this ballpark.

Search out one of the less popular models, say a 240 or 340, that way you should get more car for the money.

Read up as much as you can on the model before going to view a car, engines need careful checking over, as does the interior and - importantly - the bodywork. Many Mk2s have been tarted up over the years, so doing homework into the common rot areas (such as the crow's feet) will be time well spent.

If I'm honest, it's an ambitious first "classic" buy, but so long as you buy a decent car to begin with, and have access to people who can work on it properly, with the necessary funds to achieve this, then go for it.

A garage would be a big benefit, covers can work (see my recent thread on the subject) but there's no substitute for proper covered storage, even a car port.

RJ
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Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22788 Location: UK

PS have a look at this site, to get a feel for prices being asked:

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/classic_cars.php?category=&make=22&region=&country=&era=&advert_type=&price=&keyword=mk2&S.x=63&S.y=15

Personally, in your position, I'd be looking to find something a little less fickle to run. Buying a really good example of a "lesser" vehicle, rather than a middling Mk2, will probably lead to having more enjoyment with your first classic buy. But if it has to be a Mk2, then tread carefully Smile

RJ
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peter scott · Joined: 18 Dec 2007 Posts: 7215 Location: Edinburgh

I agree with Rick. Jaguar XK cars require expertise or a fat cheque book.

Go for something simpler if you want a easier life. A Ford or BMC product perhaps.

Peter
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P3steve · Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2014 6:24 pm Post subject:

If your heart is set on a Jag and I dont think its the ideal first choice for someone new to classics but if you must have one and having had two MK2 and two MK X in my time can understand the desire try thinking about the S type or 420 both underrated and for the price of a fair MK2 you could get a good S type or 420 that dosn't need as much work, theres even the Daimler V8 as well which slots in nicely between the 2.4 and 3.4 power wise but be warned they can be money pits and you can get burned - I still carry the scars. Regards Steve (Very happy with his Rover)
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Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22788 Location: UK

How about a good Rover P5 as an alternative?

RJ
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P3steve · Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2014 6:35 pm Post subject:

Now your talking Rick having had dealings with two P5B coupes back in the day as well I think IMHO its a better car than some of the Jags being discussed here, more room inside than a Mk 2 as well
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kevin2306 · Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2014 6:46 pm Post subject:

what about something a bit newer but classy all the same?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-Jaguar-XJ-Series-3-0-auto-XJ6-SE-/301213956362?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4621c0390a

Kev

Peter_L · Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2014 7:49 pm Post subject:

Hi Timbers.

I no longer own a classic but I still have the thousands of £'s worth of tools and hardware that were either acquired from my family, or purchased over the last 40 years.

I would echo the suggestions that to go for something perhaps a little more modern and a lot less complex than the Jag you mention.

I am sure that most if not all the forum members here has acquired their skills and knowledge via a "hands on approach" with tutoring from our elders, friends or workmates. Many would have auto/engineering/artisan backgrounds that makes turning the wrench the right way a natural process while laid on your back reaching into the black depths of a motor car.

Books are great, as is the "interwebby" but they add polish to knowledge.

Whatever you choose, I wish you good fortune rather than cost a fortune.

gresham flyer · Joined: 06 Sep 2008 Posts: 1435

Jaguar MK 2 as a first classic for a novice....not really.

Unless you are very wealthy and can purchase the best, plus trust someone to maintain it correctly, and pay a premium to have them work on it for you.

Or are excellent in all manner of classic car restoration, plus have a large fully equipped workshop, and a big fat wallet.

In today`s money even restoring a Jaguar MK 2 yourself as a nut and bolt restoration budget £ 15,000 +

The chromework will cost you the plus side of £3,000.
The interior £4,000
Body panels £3,000 +
that is just the start.!!!!

I remember spending £10,000 restoring one of mine 16 years ago, and it took 2,400 hours. Mind you it is one of the best around.

If a Jaguar is really your scene go along in a couple of weeks to the biggest Jaguar rally that is likely to be held for a long time.

The venue is Thoresby Park Nottinghamshire.

It is the anniversary of the Jaguar Enthusiast Club and promises to be excellent.

Soak in the atmosphere, talk to the owners of all the different models, visit the trade stands to get a feel of the prices of spare parts, also look at some of the cars for sale to get a feel of values etc.

I will be there, but as a long term owner of Jaguars, not the novice I was years ago when I attended my first rally as a fledgling trying to get airborne.

We are taking two Jaguars to this event, come and have a look at my cars, and I can talk you through the pitfalls to look out for.

My choice of a good quality classic car would be the Rootes range.
Humber Sceptre, Singer Gazelle, Sunbeam Rapier.

A good Triumph Vitesse MK11.

Rover P4, P5 but only if in very good condition and the seller is genuine and can show you that there are no future issues with the car that will bite you.

Austins and Morris`s are cheap to maintain.

Are you a Morris Minor Traveller person or a Sunbeam rapier Guy.?

Do you want a saloon or convertible.?

Remember one thing if you purchase a very good quality vehicle in the first place, you will have no problem selling it after a while and then move onto different makes and models that have taken your eye.

I think what novices need is a " Helping Hand Buddy " someone who is genuine to lead you through the minefield out there.

Not sure where you live, but you are more than welcome to make contact.

G.f
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MVPeters · Joined: 28 Aug 2008 Posts: 822 Location: Northern MA, USA

& there just happens to be a nice-looking Humber Sceptre in the eBay thread today..............
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Ellis · Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2014 11:03 pm Post subject:

I agree with most forum members who have contributed to this thread.

Any worthwhile Mark 2, whether 3.4 or 3.8 litre is going to be £10k plus..... and even cars starting at that value are going to need work.
A good 2.4 litre COULD be bought below this level but I'm afraid it is going to be difficult to sell on if you can't take to Mark 2 motoring or you prefer another marque or model after buying one.

The days of reasonably priced, good condition second hand interiors, for example, are over as are the other parts you will need.

However a good Jaguar 340 would be a good buy as this model is superior to it's predecessors - all syncro gearbox, straight port cylinder head and better brakes - but for reasons I cannot understand this model is not sought after.

Despite all the hype a Jaguar Mark 2 is not an easy car to drive. It is ponderous, heavy, old fashioned and not that powerful by today's standards. It took a long time for me to understand mine before I even started to enjoy driving it.

Good luck and if you do decide on a Mark 2 take a mechanic or expert with you who knows about the Mark 2 and inspect it thoroughly and at length.
A friend of mine bought an ex USA re-imported 3.8 a few years ago and what looked like a good solid car turned out otherwise.
The front chassis rails were completely rotten and the car really was beyond economic repair and he sold it on at a big loss.

It is a car where faults can be easily hidden or disguised by an unscrupulous seller.
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gresham flyer · Joined: 06 Sep 2008 Posts: 1435

Exactly my thoughts as well.

We have amongst other vehicles a Rover P4 100, a vehicle in excellent condition, the interior is in superb condition, the paintwork excellent the engine silky smooth, the chrome superb.

But... and this is a big but....it just does not have the cult following of a Jaguar, and the prices are a lot lower.

So for not a lot of money you have a superb vehicle. Ok you may say it does not handle under extreme conditions like a Jaguar...but who drives to a classic car show like Roy James.
G.f
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Austin A30 / A35 Van.
Austin Devon.
Morris Minors.
Jaguars.
Rootes Cars.
MG.
Etc.

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Cheltenham Sable
Shorts Built Vintage Caravan 1936.

47p2 · Joined: 24 Nov 2007 Posts: 2009 Location: Glasgow

This Vauxhall Ventora FD is under budget and looks rather lovely
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