Classic of the Week April 24, 2008, 6:19PM EST

Jaguar's Gentleman's Express

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SHOW STARS: These were once probably old retainers, but have benefited from complete restoration by a Jaguar specialist. In such a restoration, the engine and suspension would be rebuilt, and expensive body work would repair any faults in the stressed chassis. A first-class paint job would cap the refinishing of every piece of wood, and leather interior would be replaced. Such concours restorations are labors of love and can exceed six figures. Unfortunately, they typically fetch half that investment when their owners move on.

BESPOKE RESTO-MODS: These are the few cars remanufactured on a bespoke basis by Vicarage in England, or Beachams or McLaren in New Zealand. Building a modern car within the traditional Jaguar shell, the buyer can specify powertrain and suspension from a Jaguar XKR, as well as climate control and audio systems of Bentley quality. Cost for such a project will also be in the Bentley range, though the custom nature of the project typically means the car will also sell for half or less what it cost when the owner decides to move on.

The example here clearly falls into the second category. Restored for show and displaying its thoroughly deserved AACA award badges, and complete with the very rare tool kit in its fitted case, it is as good as any judge could hope to see.

Nods to convenience and drivability

As a nod to convenience and present-day drivability, a modern 5-speed T5 transmission conversion—an imperceptible bolt-in—has been installed in place of the original 4-speed plus overdrive.

Judging from the car's stance, it also appears to have benefited from a competition suspension system to cure the excessive roll that was typical when new. It likely has an XJS power steering system as well. Such upgrades are nearly invisible to the observer and make the car perform, in both creature comfort and road-handling, in a much more contemporary fashion.

Though this car isn't air-conditioned (available new, but trunk-mounted and ineffective), a period-looking custom air conditioning system could easily be installed.

This example is presented in black with tan, which is a slightly anachronistic color combination not available on Mk IIs until five years after this particular car was built. However, the colors highlight the car's beautiful lines and complement the honey-colored wood and Coombs wood-rimmed competition steering wheel.

Even though this is the most desirable version of the Mk II, with 3.8 engine, manual transmission, and wire wheels, I'd have expected a final sales price in the $50,000 range. However, this price might have reflected the meeting of two equally determined buyers.

In any case, this is a comfortable choice for vintage car tours, will always be parked in front of a four-star restaurant, and—unlike a new luxury sedan—isn't likely to depreciate. I call it fully priced, yet still an excellent value.