What I Really Want – Jaguar Mk2 Challenge Car

What I really want is a Mk2 Jaguar Challenge Car. The Mk2 Jag is a lovely car, fast, luxurious and in period could become a racer by just putting a number on the door. Ok that was in the good old days. But there isn’t that much difference to the standard car with the Challenge offering.

There aren’t many cars that fitted the saying, ‘race on Sunday, sell on Monday’. But the 1950s and 60s saloons were really just that. You could turn up in a regular production car and race it. In fact, that’s how many famous names back then got started. Production car racing really was just that. Legendary drivers Roy Salvadori and Denny Hulme won the 1963 Brands Hatch 6 Hours in a Mk2.

Watching them slide and move around, the handling not totally sorted for the track. But the spectacle of drivers battling their own car, not just each other is exciting to see. Historic racing being more popular than ever is surely testimony to that.

This Mk2 Jaguar Challenge car is built in what looks to be quite a nice period spec. Gone is the luxurious interior. The wood and carpets being lots to paint and vinyl trim on the dash. But that appears to be about. If you have a couple of white circles and put them on a Mk2 it instantly gets that race car look.

But would I really like one? Yes, I think so. I love the style of this, but then that’s the style of the car anyway. Base model, automatic, or even a Daimler with the lighter V8. Actually, one of those would be nice.

However, that Jaguar straight six engine is fantastic. They make a great noise, especially when being pushed hard. A nice 3.4 would make a great road car. All the style and luxury of the 3.8, but without the price tag. Robbie Coltrane sold his 3.4 with Bonhams recently for only £28,125. It’s in this article here should you wish to see it.