Some couples ring us not knowing what they want. Others know exactly. “We’d like the Jaguar MK2.” Usually the request comes with a story: a fan who grew up on Inspector Morse, Endeavour or The Sweeney, or a grandfather who owned one in the sixties. Sometimes it’s simply a shape they’ve loved for years.
We’ve been putting couples in classic Jaguars for almost three decades, and the MK2 still turns heads outside every church it pulls up to. It isn’t the right car for every wedding, though. This guide covers what it’s really like on the day, who it suits, and what to pick if it doesn’t quite fit your plans.
Why the Jaguar MK2 Is Still Britain’s Favourite Classic Saloon
Jaguar launched the MK2 in 1959 and built it until 1967. It came with a choice of 2.4, 3.4 or 3.8-litre straight-six engines, and the 3.8 was one of the quickest saloons on British roads. Police forces bought them as pursuit cars for Britain’s new motorways. So, famously, did a few people the police were chasing.
The shape is what people remember. It has a low roofline, thin chrome window frames and a curved rear end that looks good from every angle. It’s sporty without being showy.
Then came television. Inspector Morse drove a burgundy MK2 through Oxford for thirteen years, and the car became almost as well known as the detective. When the prequel series Endeavour arrived, a whole new generation fell for it.
Our Endeavour connection
For a time, we had the actual MK2 used in Endeavour available for weddings. It has since moved on, but it showed us how much the car means to people. One bride and her bridesmaids were thrilled to be sitting where Shaun Evans had sat on screen, and spent half the journey asking the chauffeur whether he’d ever met him. Probably best the groom wasn’t there! Plenty of our MK2s share the same look today, without the film-set price tag.
Is the MK2 Right for Your Wedding?
Before you fall for one, run through these quickly.
- Passengers: Every MK2 can carry four passengers: three in the back and one beside the chauffeur. With a bride on board, though, we keep it to two in the back, because your dress needs the room. That’s why some of our car pages list three passengers. Three rugby-built groomsmen won’t thank you for the back seat either. If it suits your plans, the bride can sit up front with three guests behind.
- Your dress: Fitted, slim or tea-length dresses are ideal. A very full ballgown or long train is possible but tight, so think about the XJ LWB further down.
- Season: It’s a closed saloon, so it works in any month and rain won’t spoil your arrival. There’s a heater for winter, but no air-con for hot summer days.
- Distance: The MK2 is happiest on short and medium routes, such as from home to church and church to reception. For a long motorway run, a modern car is kinder to everyone.
- Venue: Village churches, country houses, town halls and city registry offices all suit it.
If you’re nodding along, the MK2 is a lovely choice. If one or two points gave you pause, we’ve listed some alternatives further down.
What It’s Really Like to Ride in a 1960s Jaguar
Lovely, honestly. It’s also different from a modern car, and it helps to know that in advance.
The doors are smaller than you’d expect, so getting in takes a moment. Our chauffeurs help with this every week and know how to gather a dress without crushing it. Inside you’ll find a leather bench in the back, polished walnut trim and that faint smell of an old car that’s been well looked after. Many have fold-down walnut picnic tables on the backs of the front seats. You’ll hear the engine too.
There’s no air-con, so summer is the one season to think about. On a hot July afternoon, the windows go down and the breeze does the job. Most couples love it. If you’re worried about heat, choose a cooler time of day or look at a modern alternative.
Seatbelts are the big one to check. Not every classic MK2 has rear seatbelts. Cars built without them are allowed to carry passengers that way, but if children or anyone pregnant will be travelling, pick a car that has them. The cars below show which have them, and every car’s page says too. If you’re unsure, just ask us before you book.
Where You Can Hire a Jaguar MK2
Our MK2s are spread across the country, each looked after by a local chauffeur who knows the roads and the venues. Here are a few of them.
Prices depend on the car, the date, the number of journeys and how long you need it. You’ll see them on each car’s page, or you can check availability for your date.
Getting the Best Wedding Photos with an MK2
Photographers love this car. Point yours towards these shots.
- The leaper: a close-up of your hands or rings beside the bonnet mascot.
- The rear window: the curved glass frames the two of you nicely from outside, especially as you leave.
- Low at the front wing: the MK2 sits lower than most wedding cars, so a slightly low angle shows off that sweeping line.
- Chrome in soft light: late afternoon sun on the bumpers and window frames looks wonderful. Ask your chauffeur to park where the light falls.
Not Quite Right? Other Classic and Modern Jaguars to Consider
Love the look but need something different? These are the cars we suggest most often.
| Car | Best for | Seats | Air-con | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daimler 250 V8 | Couples who want the MK2 look with something a bit rarer | 4 (2 in the back with a bride) | No | The same body as the MK2, with Daimler’s fluted grille and a smooth V8 engine |
| Jaguar E-Type | The groom travelling alone, or as a photo car at the venue | 1 passenger | No | Chauffeur-driven only, with no self-drive. Open-top, so it’s a fair-weather car, and it looks wonderful in photos |
| Jaguar XKR Convertible | Open-top style with modern comfort | 2 + 2 | Yes | We have just one, so book early for summer dates. Rear legroom is tight, so it’s best for two |
| Jaguar XJ LWB | Full gowns, long journeys, hot days | 4 | Yes | Modern seatbelts and plenty of rear legroom |
| Jaguar XJ Stretched Limousine | Bridesmaids and larger groups | Up to 7 | Yes | Pairs well with an MK2 for the bride |
The Daimler often gets overlooked. Daimler built its 2.5 V8 on the MK2 body in the sixties, so from the side most guests won’t tell them apart. Enthusiasts will spot the grille straight away. We have several in the fleet, such as this 1966 Silver Blue Daimler 250 V8 in Croydon.
A popular combination is an MK2 for the bride and an XJ limousine for the bridesmaids. You get the classic photos and nobody’s squashed.
You can see every car in our full Jaguar fleet, with photos and details for each.
Jaguar MK2 Wedding Car FAQs
Do all your MK2s have seatbelts?
No. Some of our classic MK2s don’t have rear belts. Each car’s page says which do, and we’re happy to confirm before you book.
Does the MK2 have air-con?
No, and neither does the E-Type. Both have heaters for cooler days. If cool air matters to you, choose our XKR Convertible or a modern XJ.
How many people can travel with the bride?
The MK2 carries four passengers, but with a bride we recommend just two in the back so your dress has room. Alternatively, the bride can sit up front with three guests behind.
What happens if it rains?
Nothing much. The MK2 is a closed saloon, and most chauffeurs carry umbrellas for the walk to the door.
Can it handle a long journey?
It’s at its best on shorter routes. For long distances, we’d suggest a modern Jaguar.
Is this the car from Endeavour?
No. We used to have it available, but it has since moved on. Our MK2s share its classic look, and the Daimler 250 V8 is another lovely option with the same shape.
Can the groom use it too?
Yes. Many couples book the MK2 for the bride and an E-Type for the groom. Others book the MK2 for two trips to the ceremony: the groom first, then the bride.
Ready to Find Your MK2?
If the MK2 feels like your car, don’t leave it too late. Summer Saturdays book up six to twelve months ahead. Check availability for your date and we’ll take it from there.