All you need to know about the iconic Inspector Morse Jaguar
As part of ITV’s eagerly awaited Morse prequel, Endeavour, fans get to discover how Morse’s most enduring love affair started.
It’s not a woman, of course, it’s the iconic burgundy Inspector Morse Jaguar Mark 2 that he drove throughout his career.
Viewers will get to see a young Morse being brought back to Oxford as part of a hunt for a missing schoolgirl, a case which profoundly changes his life.
The origins of Morse’s trademark passions, including classic cars, will be unravelled too.
The drama was commissioned to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the first Morse episode, broadcasted in 1987. Shaun Evans has the somewhat daunting task of living up to John Thaw’s much-loved portrayal of Colin Dexter’s detective.
Bringing Morse and his Jaguar together
Set in the mid-sixties, Endeavour sees Morse securing the car that will be his faithful companion until death.
Lucky Wargrave service and MOT centre in Berkshire was chosen as the setting and was transformed into a retro garage, complete with bunting, petrol pumps and a collection of mouth-watering classic cars.
Like others, Manager Tim Englefield was delighted to get a glimpse of Morse’s beloved Jaguar Mark 2 during filming.
So far all that’s been revealed is that the youthful Endeavor Morse finds his dream car on sale for £1,227 – an asking price perhaps beyond the budget of a young police officer, especially one fighting to maintain his career.
Icon of British motoring history
The Inspector Morse Jaguar was a Jaguar Mark 2 which was released in 1959 in the UK and carried on until its reign of production ended in 1967. It was designed accordingly to embody the ideals of grace, pace and space. The top speed was registered at 119.9 mph and it could get to 62 mph from standing in 11.9 seconds.
Becoming a signature of the incredibly popular detective show was a matter of chance though. On taking the role of Morse, John Thaw insisted that the Lancia Morse drove in the books be changed to a Jaguar Mark 2.
Following a career of near-misses that often had the hearts of classic car lovers in their mouths, the Inspector Morse Jaguar mark 2 used in the series was sold in November 2005 for over £100,000. It was later reported in 2009 that the man who bought the Inspector Morse Jaguar, John Potts, 60, was the director of a buy-to-let company who conned his investors out of £80 million to fund his extravagant lifestyle! He went to prison, serving a 5-year jail term. Ironically enough, it should have been the case for Morse himself.
The one-off Endeavour episode will air next spring. Keep yourself updated with the latest motoring news online by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter or connecting with us on LinkedIn.If you’re interested in buying or leasing a new vehicle contact our sales team. Alternatively, visit our website where you will find new Jaguars available for sale or on finance.
Where did they buy the jaguar from ( I don’t mean the made up garage ) but what pare of England help
Thank you in anticipation.
Hi Colin,
Thank you for your comment. The Jaguar Mk II is a beautiful piece of machinery. Unfortunately, we have not been able to discover where the car was purchased by ITV. It would have originally been built at the Jaguar Coventry plant.
Where does Morse’s Jaguar reside now?
Hi Janette,
There was a scandal involving a previous owner of the Jaguar, however, it is now owned by an anonymous collector who, in 2018, confirmed to Yahoo News that the vehicle was safe in a secret location following an accident that involved a lookalike vehicle. Sometimes collectors like to keep their collections secure and for their eyes only. No doubt, at some point, the car will be up for auction again and we will find out what has happened to the car since 2009 when it was sold.
The only car over which I have lusted since beginning to drive in 1957 – other than Morris Minors, and Minis, that is.
Had many Morii, but no Jag. 8-(
What problems did the mark 2 have during the show filming. Cars in shows and movies are typically not given talc aside from the exterior appearance. My opinion but probably accurate. Too many cars in entertainment are abused.
Hi Marshall,
It wasn’t actual issues that the vehicle had, it was the ‘stunt’ driving down country lanes and near misses that were experienced by the car that the article was referring to. From everything we have been able to gather, the car was kept in impeccable condition.
A friend of mine had one of these, driving to the pub I saw a girl I fancied walking with her friend. 1977. Under pain of death I was able to borrow this wonderful car. I drove at speed ( tut tut not good ! ) but young love and all that. Long story short. I got the girl . It is now 2020 We have just watched an episode of Morse and we often think of that day. The Mk ii had always been a dream of mine but, alas could never afford one. Every time I saw one parked I would look longingly at that beautiful dash board with all those switches set in I think was walnut ? but whatever beauty full stop. Sadly my friend who was a bit of a lad turned on its roof and trashed it I could of cried.
My first car way back in 1965 was a grey Jaguar Mark II. My brother and I bought it and drove it until it broke down just before we went into the service. I promised myself that one day I would have another Jag. Fast forward 50 yrs and my 70th birthdays and I finally brought a beautiful 2007 Jaguar S-Type in British Racing Green!
my wife her dream was once in her life time driving a red Jaguar and 3 years ago almost accidently i saw one appearing on the internet jaguar 2007 x-type in red. for a very reasonable price , here in canada. Waw what is she happy with Her dream from when she was 20 years age became suddenly true now at age of 63 years young she is proud driving her beautiful dream car.
In the Morse series, the car is/was equipped with modern seatbelts. I’m not aware if this was OEM to the vehicle at the time of production, Can anyone elaborate?
Hi Tony,
They would have been retrofitted and likely because of insurance reasons (as well as wanting to be a good example as it was based during present times – or at least present as far as the series went).
The only car I ever fell in love with was a 1962 Jaguar Mark II sedan, owned by the father of a high school classmate in Texas. I vowed to have one someday, and in 1975 my husband (whose own affair was restoring a 1936 Packard) surprised me with a 1962 Mark II sedan – body and motor in decent shape, but the paint and interior were rough – the wood was intact but lost its finish, and the leather was shot. It had like-new wire wheels and a 3.8 liter standard with overdrive. I had it painted pale silver and it was a beauty, and a dream on the open road. Later divorced, I drove it as a hobby car for 10 years, but never had the funds to restore the interior. It required mechanical tweaking, but the mechanic also was under its spell. Needing tuition for grad school, I had to sell it, through an ad in Hemmings. It was not yet a classic, so had to price it just as an older car. As the buyer trailered it down the street (to be restored as a surprise for his wife), I stood in my driveway in tears. I have a die-cast model on a living room shelf, watch every Inspector Morse episode, pine over his Jag, and wish another was affordable. Lost dreams…
Jaguar mark II will always be one on the best car ever created I cannot think of another one more beautiful front back interior
She is on top of the line in terms of beauty
That car has always been my favorite of all times!!
Marie, wholeheartedly agree with you and have always delighted in seeing the MkII on screen and in real life. Frank
Love to buy that fabulous Jaguars
Hi there Anthony, if you are interested our Vehicle Specialists can get you behind the wheel of your favourite Jaguar. Get in touch on 01903 538835 or request a callback for a time that suits you: bit.ly/3KBaRMI
It should have had spoked wheels. The burgundy rims are cheap looking.
I have a red mark 2 jaguar in sweden. with number plates MORSE. All in the family enjoy the car. Of course the leaping cat on the hood.
Hi there Mats, fantastic to hear about your beloved Jaguar. Your positive experience will be very useful for OSV’s readers.
Mmmmm well truth is Morse never owned a Jaguar his beloved car was a Lancia.
I owned a 1962 Mark II for a couple of years in the 1970’s. Silver w/spoked wheels. A beautiful car to look at, drive, and travel in. Alas, it broke down so often I just couldn’t afford it. I still get a kick whenever I see one.
The car driven by Inspector morse in the endeavour series was a Mk 1 Jaguar, not a Mk 2.
I have owned both models but as of today I only have the Mk 1.
Mats. Good for you that you have that lovely jag! Thanks for honoring this wonderful show Inspector Morse.
The Morse Jaguar has actually been untaxed for nearly 18 months, according to the DVLA website.
What was tje story of Endeavour getting the Jaguar?
I drive a 2001 S-Type 4.0L dark grey Jaguar. Made in England, it has just over 105,000 miles and still turns heads. The retro model was introduced as an homage to the MK series. I always loved Jaguar cars as I thought they look like the animal they are named for, sleek and ready to pounce. Enjoy the Morse and Endeavour mysteries.
I have owned my 1962 Mark 2 Jaguar 3.8 L and I am the 3rd owner. From new, it has been painted Old English White with the period Red leather interior. Transmission is the original 4-Speed plus Overdrive. There was minimal rust and the interior was a bit shabby, I drove it on every sunny day as the car is a rolling piece of artwork and was admired by all. Great care is always needed, as people tend to pull in too close just too see what just passed them a mile back, especially as it is wearing painted black spokes and the original Jag knockoffs. In 2012,
I entrusted my baby to a noted Reading, PA Jag specialist.
For a total engine rebuild, new Glassurit paint, new Coombs welded-in “racing” skirts. New seats and all interior wood trim repaired and refinished,
Now spends 98% of its life in a heated garage at our home, except for very special sunny days. It draws a crowd wherever I take it, much to the annoyance of many
local residents driving mainly German iron !
Mine was a 3.8 british racing green with chrome wire wheels…I was 20! Got drafted for Vietnam
War and sold it for a song. Great car and great chick puller too. Great memories, too.
To Tom Henwood, your Mark 2 sounds gorgeous! Will you be showing it at the Duryea Days event in Boyertown on September 2nd? I would just love to see your baby!
My grandparents were the original owners of the car that stars in Inspector Morse. My father was stopped by the police while speeding in it when he was in his early 20s but was let off! We have lots of photos of my grandfather with the car (my grandmother couldn’t drive) and they treated it like one of the family.
Hi there Tim, thank you for sharing your fascinating connection to the Inspector Morse car! It’s wonderful to hear about the personal history and memories associated with it. Cars often become more than just vehicles; they become a part of family stories and nostalgia. If you’d be happy to be featured in one of our social posts regarding this story, kindly confirm by emailing [email protected].
We love inspector Morse and Lewis. We use our Carmen red Mk 2 from 1963. We have personal licence plate here in Sweden: MORSE.
For the future we will paint the roof in black.
Mats and Moa Rosén
I noticed that Morse’s Mark 2 Jaguar has the modern three point harness retractable safety belt system. Was the car retrofit with the safety belt system, or was Jaguar that far ahead of its competitors?
That is the John Thaw part of the story. Endeavor, the Shaun Evan’s part of the story, shows Endeavor in season 1, episode 1, driving a black jaguar. He came from humble beginnings, so how did he acquire the jaguar?