Jaguar introduced its Mark 2 saloon in 1959, and it was very well-received on account of its great visibility, strong performance, and luxurious interior. These cars were typically purchased by executives, celebrities, and even featured in film and television. Cars equipped with the optional 3.8-litre engine were capable of a 200 km/h top speed, making it the fastest production saloon in the world at the time. If Jaguar had continued to improve the performance and displacement of the Mark 2 engine past 1967, they may have ended up with something as elegant, and startling, as the comprehensively modified 4.2-Litre saloon offered here.

This US-market Mark 2 was originally finished in Pearl Gray with a red interior during July 1961; it was previously restored and modified to 4.2-litre specifications during its time in the United States. In 2014 it was purchased by the consignor, exported to their home in Switzerland, and subsequently submitted for a complete restoration by Rebellion Motors in Lausanne.

This power-packed “sleeper” is fitted with a powerful, high-torque Jaguar 4.2-Litre “XK” motor with triple-SU carburettors, which is rated at 265 brake horsepower at 5,400 rpm and has 283 foot-pounds of torque. It is mated to a five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential, to take full advantage of its power. Under the consignor’s ownership, this remarkable Jaguar custom has been treated to more than 149,000 CHF-worth of mechanical and cosmetic restoration work completed by Rebellion Motors, and Oldtimer Center Ostschweiz in St. Margrethen between 2015 and 2017.

During this work, the body was completely removed, stripped, and repaired with new metal, and then masterfully repainted in Ebony Black. Other items of note include a major engine rebuild, rebuilds for the three SU carburettors, as well as new gaskets, lines, seals, throughout many of the car’s major systems. Much of the car’s hardware was also zinc-plated and re-chromed.

As presented today, this fascinating and well-cared-for custom includes numerous luxury and performance upgrades, including power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, uprated engine cooling, a modern ignition system, a stainless steel exhaust system, four-wheel disc brakes, Koni adjustable dampers, rear wheel arches from Coombs of Guildford, 16x6-inch JD Competition chrome wire wheels, air conditioning, a Derrington wood-rimmed steering wheel, central locking, a security system, rich burl wood trim, and an upgraded entertainment system.

Although more than 28,000 Mark 2 Saloons were produced between 1960 and 1967, it would be difficult to find another quite like this “Q-Ship”.