1975 Jaguar XJ-S
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Photos provided by the vendor
Highlights
- One of the very first XJ-Ss manufactured
- Solid dry-state import for restoration
- UK registered with all NOVA and duties settled
- Complete and structurally appears sound
THE APPEAL
If you want a piece of Jaguar history and don’t mind a bit of work, then here’s a car that will pique your interest.
The XJ-S went into production on September 10, 1975, the conclusion of Jaguar’s X27 project that was intended to replace the iconic E-Type and also exploit Jaguar’s recently developed V12 engine. The very early cars have a few anomalies – the ‘pre-HE’ wheels and a Borg Warner Model 12 automatic gearbox, instead of the GM unit fitted from 1977.
This one has to be one of the earliest known survivors. Supplied new to California via British Leyland USA in New Jersey (a distance as far as London to southern Spain), the car was dispatched from Jaguar’s Brown’s Lane factory on October 1, 1975, just three weeks into the car’s production cycle.
It has survived thanks in no small part to the dry Californian climate, but the sun has taken its toll on other areas such as the interior of the car and the paintwork. Sold as a. non-runner, but with a non-seized engine, the XJ-S is ripe for restoration. It would also make a great parts car thanks to all of its pre-77 parts, which are actively sought after by enthusiasts of the first XJS-S – but given how early a car it is, it really deserves to live again.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- Manufactured in September 1975 and dispatched from Browns Lane on October 1
- Imported from California in 2023
- Full UK V5C just issued – registered as PFE 997P
- NOVA declaration complete and all import duties settled
- Jaguar Heritage Certificate
- Original California number plates
THE INTERIOR
- Tan leather seats in poor overall condition – sun damaged and rotted but seat frames appear okay and could be suitable for retrimming
- Carpets and roof lining in sound order – most likely salvageable
- Door trims and side panels also appear to be retrievable
- Original ‘rotunda’ dials
- Steering wheel centre boss missing
- Period 1980s radio-cassette player
- Electric windows (untested)
- Air conditioning (untested)
- Left-hand-drive
- Will require full interior overhaul
THE EXTERIOR
- Original dark blue paint is substantially faded, but areas may be recoverable
- Critically, the car appears to be very solid underneath with no major structural problems
- Good pre-HE factory alloys
- Sills and exterior panels in sound order
- US market quad headlamp front
- Federal bumpers with rubber insets
- Orange marker lights as per US regulations
THE MECHANICS
- 5.3-litre V12
- Three-speed Borg Warner auto
- Currently a non-runner – the engine turns and is not seized so the mechanical condition is unknown
- Potential buyers should assume a comprehensive mechanical overhaul may be required
SUMMARY
The appeal of this car lies in its earliness – you’ll have to look long and hard to find an old XJ-S and that, to our minds, makes this one a great candidate to be restored and preserved, while the dry climate of California has also preserved the XJ-S notoriously fragile bodywork in seemingly very sound condition meaning you can probably reuse all of the panels.
There’s work to be done here and it won’t happen overnight, but once finished this will be a lovely and highly collectable example of a Series I XJ-S.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1975
- Make Jaguar
- Model XJS
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 61,000 Miles
- Engine size 5343
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Halifax
- Location Yorkshire
- Country United Kingdom
7
bids
from 6
bidders
- zlc.aff•••• £1,250 20/09/23
- andrew-•••• £1,050 20/09/23
- zlc.aff•••• £750 20/09/23
- mark-bu•••• £400 19/09/23
- renato-•••• £300 18/09/23
- rga-com•••• £200 17/09/23
- Wesson £100 17/09/23
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