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Dark Green 1960 Jaguar Mark 2 - A British Icon in 1/24th Scale
This magnificent reproduction of the 1960 Jaguar Mark 2 in its original dark green livery captures all the elegance and refinement of one of the most iconic saloons in British automotive history. This exceptional model car, produced in 1:24 scale, is a true collector's item for all fans of classic cars and the history of the automotive industry.
A faithful reproduction of the original model, this model car stands as a precious testimony to Jaguar's golden age, a period during which the brand with the leaping feline forged a worldwide reputation for technical excellence and aesthetic distinction.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Jaguar Mark 2
- Brand: Jaguar
- Year: 1960
- Scale: 1/24th
- Color: Dark green
- Protective case included: Yes
The original Jaguar Mark 2: a revolution in luxury motoring
Launched in October 1959, the Jaguar Mark 2 represented the culmination of several years of development by engineer William Heynes and the Coventry team. The successor to the Mark 1, this compact saloon was distinguished by its more modern lines and substantial technical improvements, including the adoption of larger side windows, earning it the nickname "big window".
Powered by the famous XK6 engine in its 2.4, 3.4 and 3.8 litre versions, the Mark 2 offered remarkable performance for the time. The 3.8 litre version, equipped with two SU carburettors, developed 220 horsepower and allowed it to reach 200 km/h, impressive figures for a four-door saloon of the 1960s. This exceptional engine, derived from that of the XK120 and XK140 sports cars, gave the Mark 2 a unique character in its category.
It was an immediate commercial success: more than 83,000 units were produced between 1959 and 1967, making the Mark 2 one of the best-selling Jaguars in the brand's history. Its perfect balance of luxury, performance, and practicality appealed to both businessmen and thrill-seeking drivers.
Jaguar in the 1960s: the heyday of a legendary brand
At the time of the Mark 2's creation, Jaguar was enjoying a golden era under the leadership of William Lyons , the brand's visionary founder in 1922. The 1960s marked the height of the Jaguar philosophy: combining beauty, performance, and relative affordability. This decade simultaneously saw the birth of the E-Type, considered one of the most beautiful cars ever created, and the consolidation of saloons like the Mark 2.
The Coventry company then enjoyed an exceptional worldwide reputation , reinforced by its sporting successes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Type C and Type D. This sporting aura naturally spilled over into the production models, partly explaining the immediate public attraction to the Mark 2. The brand perfectly embodied the British spirit of the time: tradition, innovation and technical excellence.
The Browns Lane workshops then produced vehicles entirely assembled by hand, using artisanal methods that guaranteed exceptional quality of finish . This approach, although expensive, allowed Jaguar to clearly distinguish itself from European and American competition.
The Irresistible Mark 2: Between Prestige and Evil
The history of the Jaguar Mark 2 is inseparable from a fascinating anecdote that perfectly illustrates the ambivalence of this exceptional automobile. In the 1960s, the Mark 2 became the car of choice for London gangsters, notably the notorious Kray brothers who terrorized the East End. These criminals quickly realized that the combination of high performance, apparent discretion, and luxury made it the ideal vehicle for their illicit activities.
Ironically, the same car was simultaneously being used by Scotland Yard in its fight against organized crime. British police forces had adopted the Mark 2 for its exceptional roadworthiness, creating a comical situation where both pursuers and pursued were using the exact same model. This dual use gave rise to some very special chases through the streets of London.
This sulphurous reputation in no way tarnished the Mark 2's prestigious image among the general public. On the contrary, it added a romantic dimension to a car already shrouded in mystery. Many personalities of the time, from Alain Delon to John Lennon, owned a Mark 2, helping to forge its legend. This duality between respectability and transgression is still an integral part of the myth surrounding this iconic model today.
The Mark 2's cultural influence extended far beyond the automotive world. It perfectly embodied the spirit of the British "Swinging Sixties" : traditional elegance and bold modernity combined in a desirable object that reflected the aspirations of a rapidly changing society. This sociological dimension partly explains why the Mark 2 remains, more than sixty years after its creation, one of the most sought-after Jaguars among collectors.
Complete your collection of British model cars
This dark green Jaguar Mark 2 is a natural fit for a collection dedicated to prestige automobiles . It pairs perfectly with other iconic models from the British automotive industry, creating a cohesive ensemble that tells the story of British engineering and aesthetic excellence. Collectors can complement it with Aston Martin or Bentley model cars to recreate the golden age of British motoring.
The 1/24th scale offers an ideal compromise between detail and size, allowing you to appreciate the subtleties of the bodywork while maintaining reasonable dimensions for exhibition. This model car is aimed at both experienced collectors and novices wishing to start a thematic collection. It can also complement a selection of model sedan cars or a collection dedicated to model cars from the 1960s .
For collector car enthusiasts, this Mark 2 is also an excellent starting point for other worlds, such as classic model cars 1950-1979 or model racing cars that recall Jaguar's sporting heritage. This thematic versatility makes this reproduction a wise investment for any automotive history enthusiast who wants to enrich their collection with an exceptional piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to understand the scales of miniatures?
Scale indicates the reduction ratio between the real car and the miniature. For example, at 1:43 scale, each centimeter on the miniature corresponds to 43 centimeters on the real vehicle.
Concretely, a 1/18 scale Ferrari model is approximately 25-30 cm long, while in 1/43 scale it measures approximately 10 cm.
What scales are available?
Our model cars are mainly offered in 1/43, 1/24, 1/18 and 1/87 (HO) scales. The scale is always indicated in the product sheet.
The smaller the second number, the larger the model car (e.g. 1/18 is larger than 1/43).
Does the model car come with protection?
Yes, each model car is systematically delivered in its protective box. This box preserves the collectible value and protects your model car from dust and shocks.
How is my package protected during transport?
We package each order with the utmost care: bubble wrap, appropriate cushioning, and polystyrene. Your model car is perfectly secure during its journey.
What is the delivery time?
In-stock items are shipped within 24-48 hours. Please allow 2-3 business days for France via Colissimo or 4-5 days via Mondial Relay.
The model car is no longer in stock, when will you have it?
It's impossible for me to know exactly when I'll receive a new stock because I receive arrivals in dribs and drabs. Please contact me so I can keep you informed as soon as it's available.
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