Registration: SUY173F
Chassis: 1J1558DN
Odometer: 6,617 (106,617)
Transmission: Manual
MOT: Exempt

• 25 years of long-term previous ownership
• Restored to a high standard and resprayed in Diamond White in 2016
• Full engine overhaul with hardened valves and unleaded conversion
• Huge history file including decades of old MOTs, invoices and supporting paperwork

There is something about a classic Jaguar in this colour combination that just works, and this 1968 240 certainly has the presence you would expect. Finished in Diamond White with a contrasting red interior, acres of traditional woodwork and chrome wire wheels, it is every bit the quintessential British sporting saloon.

More importantly though, this isn't relying on looks alone. The history behind it is superb.

The previous owner kept the Jaguar for some 25 years and, judging by the enormous history file accompanying it, clearly took its upkeep seriously. Flicking through the folder is like going back through its life, with old-style MOT certificates stretching back decades alongside invoices, servicing paperwork and various records of work carried out.

At some point the odometer has naturally been around the clock and is currently displaying 6,617 miles, something its extensive collection of historic MOT certificates helps to document.

This isn't simply an older restoration that has subsequently been forgotten about either. A substantial amount of mechanical work has been carried out over the years to make the Jaguar a more usable proposition today.

Most notably, the engine has undergone an extensive overhaul incorporating hardened valves and conversion for unleaded fuel. The twin carburettors have also been overhauled and refurbished, while further work includes a new clutch and slave cylinder, new radiator and hoses, an electric cooling fan upgrade, stainless-steel exhaust system, new starter motor and new rear shock absorbers.

It also sits on the correct size 185R15 Michelin tyres with new tubes.

Cosmetically, the Jaguar received a full respray in Diamond White in 2016 and still presents as a very handsome old thing. The red cabin makes a fantastic contrast against the light exterior and retains exactly the sort of period atmosphere you'd want from one of these, right down to the wood dashboard, Smiths instrumentation and wonderfully thin-rimmed steering wheel.

There is a small tear to the driver's seat which we have photographed for transparency, but we'd much rather see an otherwise lovely interior showing a little evidence of having been enjoyed than pretend a 58-year-old Jaguar has never been sat in.

For us, one of the best parts of this Jaguar is the paperwork.

There are MOT certificates dating back many years, numerous invoices from classic specialists and records charting maintenance throughout its life. The Jaguar also comes with its manuals and two sets of keys.

Combined with that 25-year period of previous ownership and the considerable mechanical work already undertaken, it gives the next custodian far more to go on than simply buying an old Jaguar with an unknown past.

A beautifully presented 240 with a cracking colour combination, long term ownership behind it and, perhaps most importantly, the sort of history folder we absolutely love seeing with a proper classic.