When people think of classic British luxury with a sporting edge, the Jaguar Mark 2 is often one of the first cars that comes to mind. Introduced in 1959 as a refined evolution of the original Mark 1, the Mark 2 quickly earned a reputation as a gentleman’s express—elegant enough for the boardroom, but with the performance and handling to hold its own on twisting backroads and race circuits alike.

The 1960 Jaguar Mark 2 featured sleek, flowing lines, a wide grille flanked by twin headlamps, and polished chrome that accentuated its curvaceous, compact saloon shape. It had a more open greenhouse than its predecessor, thanks to slimmer pillars and a larger rear window, giving the cabin a lighter, airier feel. While unmistakably British in its design, the Mark 2's stance and proportions suggested speed as much as sophistication.

Under the bonnet, the car could be had with one of three versions of Jaguar’s twin-cam inline-six engine: a 2.4L, 3.4L, or the top-of-the-line 3.8L—the same engine found in the early E-Type. With up to 220 horsepower, the 3.8 Mark 2 was capable of 0–60 mph in under 9 seconds, which was astonishing for a four-door sedan in the early '60s. Power was sent through a 4-speed manual gearbox, often with an optional Laycock overdrive or a Borg-Warner automatic, and four-wheel disc brakes came standard—a rarity at the time.

Inside, the Mark 2 was all classic British charm: burled walnut veneer on the dashboard and door cappings, leather upholstery, and a bank of toggle switches and Smiths gauges set into a sweeping wooden fascia. The seating was plush, the ride refined, but the car never lost the responsive, engaging driving feel that set Jaguar apart from more staid luxury marques.

Whether parked outside a London townhouse or carving through country roads, the 1960 Jaguar Mark 2 delivered a rare blend of grace and pace. It was favored by everyone from dignitaries to detectives (both fictional and real), and remains one of Jaguar’s most beloved sedans—a true icon of British motoring.