Staggering Power Of The Jaguar 3.8 Mark II

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29251, 8 July 1960, Page 17

Staggering Power Of The Jaguar 3.8 Mark II

J£VER since the advent of the outstandingly successful sixcylinder XK engine, Jaguar cars have enjoyed a reputation for power and prestige, offering a good standard of comfort at high cruising speeds. This twin-over-head camshaft engine which brought the Jaguar company such rich rewards was first used in the XK-120 sports car and later in the Mark VII, and today it is still basically unchanged in some of the fastest sports and saloon cars produced in the world. Purring Exhaust The most powerful model of the latest Jaguar saloon range arrived in Christchurch last week—a gleaming 3.8 litre Mark n, with a purring exhaust note at low speeds which belies the ferocious power which it develops. It will cruise at 100 miles an hour while giving an excellent 15 miles a gallon, and will accelerate faster than some drivers would care to experience, nils is an enthusiasts’ model, a car which requires an experienced person behind the wheel to take full advantage of the brimming power. It could very easily get an inexperienced driver into trouble. Externally, the car bears a very close resemblance to its smaller brothers—the 2.4-litre and 3.4litre models. Besides its more powerful engine, the 3.8-litre has larger windows and windscreen, and a superior instrument arrangement. A central console is mounted over the’ transmission hump, carrying the heater controls and radio. Switches are identified by a transparent strip beneath them, and this is illuminated at night. A red light shows when brake fluid is running low. A cigarette lighter and ash-

trays are provided, and small polished veneer tables fold from the backs of the front seats. A duct from the heater is channelled to the rear seat, and a map light and a separate blue light are provided in the glove locker. The instruments are a tachometer paired with the speedometer, with small matching dials for water temperature, oil pressure, the ammeter and fuel guage. The acceleration figures of this car tell more than hundreds of words on its performance—suffice it to say that full throttle acceleration can be either extremely exhilarating or downright terrifying, according to the temperament of the passengers. There is sufficient power available to spin the rear wheels in third gear on wet roads, hence care is required that the power is used judiciously. The. Jaguar &8 Mark n is a commanding car from all aspects, and while very few will be seen on New Zealand roads, they will be doing wonders for the British car industry on the American market. The price in New Zealand is £2424.