How do you improve Jaguar Mk2 handling?

The proven recipe is uprated springs, adjustable dampers, polyurethane bushes, a stronger front anti-roll bar and often a rear anti-roll bar — the 'Coombs' fast-road set-up.

What is a Coombs Mk2?

John Coombs prepared and raced Mk2s in period; his suspension, brake and engine modifications became the template for the fast-road Mk2, and 'Coombs-style' upgrades are named after him.

What is the Panhard rod fix?

The Mk2's rear axle is located by a Panhard rod whose mounting can crack; Jaguar advised dealers to strengthen the fixing in 1963, and it remains a recommended upgrade.

Will uprating the suspension ruin the ride?

Done sensibly, no — quality dampers and springs sharpen the handling and reduce roll while keeping a civilised ride; over-stiff set-ups are the ones that spoil it.

Upgrade guide

Suspension & Handling Upgrades

By Jon Cosson — classic-car owner, North Yorkshire, near Thornton-le-Dale

Dark green classic British sports saloon on chrome wire wheels sitting low on a country road, seen from a front three-quarter angle — Placeholder image — owner to replace with a photograph of the car's own stance.

A standard Mk2 rides softly and rolls in corners — lovely, but not sharp. The template for fixing it was written in period by John Coombs, whose racing Mk2s defined the fast-road set-up owners still copy today.

The original set-up

Independent coil-sprung front with wishbones and an anti-roll bar; a live rear axle located by semi-elliptic leaf springs, radius arms and a Panhard rod. Comfortable, but soft, with noticeable roll and a rear axle that can move around.

The fast-road recipe

Front: a stronger (often one-inch) anti-roll bar, uprated (and sometimes slightly lowered) springs, polyurethane bushes, fresh ball joints, and quality adjustable dampers (Koni, Gaz or Spax).
Rear: improved springs, polyurethane bushes, uprated dampers, and — a Coombs signature — a rear anti-roll bar and a new Panhard rod. Telescopic rear damper conversions are popular.
The Panhard-rod fix: Jaguar itself advised dealers back in 1963 to strengthen the Panhard-rod mounting point — still worth doing, as it is a known weak spot.

The result

Done well, a Mk2 turns in crisply, sits flat and uses its power properly — the car Coombs showed it could be — without ruining the ride.

On our car

873 EUT runs uprated competition-style springs, adjustable Gaz dampers and polyurethane bushes throughout. The full specification is in The Build: 873 EUT.

Common questions

How do you improve Jaguar Mk2 handling?: The proven recipe is uprated springs, adjustable dampers, polyurethane bushes, a stronger front anti-roll bar and often a rear anti-roll bar — the 'Coombs' fast-road set-up.
What is a Coombs Mk2?: John Coombs prepared and raced Mk2s in period; his suspension, brake and engine modifications became the template for the fast-road Mk2, and 'Coombs-style' upgrades are named after him.
What is the Panhard rod fix?: The Mk2's rear axle is located by a Panhard rod whose mounting can crack; Jaguar advised dealers to strengthen the fixing in 1963, and it remains a recommended upgrade.
Will uprating the suspension ruin the ride?: Done sensibly, no — quality dampers and springs sharpen the handling and reduce roll while keeping a civilised ride; over-stiff set-ups are the ones that spoil it.