1959 Jaguar Mk2 3.8

The Jaguar was the car of choice for a successful bank manager or solicitor. For a few successful crooks, too. The Kray brothers had Jaguars of their own, but they used to knock off someone else's for any jobs they pulled. And I do know it's true that they gave one of their drivers a right spanking for coming back with a 2.4 litre when he went out to nick a getaway car for a bank job.

But now look where we are. We don't even have bank managers anymore - just "team leaders", whatever that means. Everyone from government ministers to major celebrities drive a Prius for heaven's sake! Mind you it's all image over substance. These same celebs are still happy to hop on a private jet to wizz over the Atlantic to promote a film or open a shoe store or adopt an African child or whatever. And I wonder if Al Gore would have traded in the "Air Force 1" Boeing 747 for a Cessna if he had won the presidency. Me, I just think he's a bad loser who wants to make everybody else as miserable as he was after he missed the top job.

Then there's the house with the pool. Just last week, the people who know about things said that Australia's population would double in 50 years and that we would all need to "downsize".

Our grandfathers lived in 2 up/ 2 down terrace houses and worked all their lives so that we could move into something a bit bigger and better. Call them McMansions if you will, but I like mine and I don't see why my grandkids should have to aspire to a 2 up/2 down terrace. Not exactly what you would call progress is it?

And as for the swimming pool? We have the local area Nazi who listens to the water meters down the street to make sure no one is doing an illegal top up.

But for those of us who do hanker for better times and better lives, there is always the classic car, and they don't come much more classic than a Mk2 Jaguar. This one at Flinkiers in Melbourne looks as good as you could ever hope to find and it ticks all the right boxes.

The 3.8 litre, slightly changed, was good enough for the E-Type, so say no more. The auto transmissions are bulletproof and the power steering is a necessary extra that did not necessarily come as standard.

At this price, condition is important. Both the wood and leather trim are in excellent condition, as is the ivory paintwork.

The seats remain extremely comfortable and offer a view to the magnificently equipped dash and onto a curvaceous bonnet and front wings. The steering wheel is adjustable for reach and has a nice, period horn ring. Also on the steering column is the speed hand switch for the automatic gearbox.

These cars are full of bits and pieces that will appeal to the classic buyer. One of my favourites is the opening quarter windows on the rear doors, adjusted by a clever little chrome lever system - 100 times more pleasing than the fast-glass of today.

The auto gearbox robs a little of the "getaway car" performance, but still gives a 0-100 kph time under 10 seconds - pretty good for a car celebrating its 50th birthday.

The Mk2 Jag is close to being my favourite classic motor car of all time. It's sporty, beautiful, comfortable, serviceable and in excellent condition. This one won't be on sale for long.

Trevor West

WHAT, WHERE, WHEN & HOW MUCH

Model: Jaguar Mk2 3.8

Year: 1959

Dealer: Flinkier Motors
10 Punt Road,
St Kilda Junction,
Melbourne Vic. 3182
(03) 9510 5511

Web: www.flinkiers.com.au

Price: $42,999

0-100 kph: 9.5 seconds

Best point: Original and in top condition

Worst point: Colour is not everyone's choice

Recommendation:The perfect affordable classic

Trivia: The Sixties equivalent of the AMG Mercedes was the Coombes Jaguar. Engines could be uprated to give E-type performance and a whole range of specialist parts were available. Find a genuine Coombs Mk2 today and expect to pay $¼ million plus