1976 Jaguar XJ-C V12
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Highlights
- Superb coupe-bodied XJ with V12 power
- One of just 1,855 V12 XJ-Cs
- 3,000 euros recently invested on servicing and mechanicals
- Tastefully modified with blacked-out chromework
- Sparing recent use
- Enthusiast owned and part of a small collection
The Appeal
The XJ-C was the pet project of William Lyons and one of the last Jaguars developed with his input. It had a troubled gestation as the firm battled with the complicated pillarless engineering. It finally arrived in showrooms in 1975.
This well-preserved 1976 example was sold new into Dusseldorf and reportedly remained with the same family until 2020. It appears to have been restored before the seller’s tenure, including a colour change to dove grey and refinishing of the chromework in black.
Bought by the seller, who owns a small classic collection, and imported to the Netherlands it has since been used sparingly. But he hasn’t cut corners on maintenance, most recently investing 3,000 euros on servicing and mechanical fettling. Exquisitely styled and thoroughly usable, this rare car looks very tempting.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered on 21st January 1976 according to Dutch registration documentation
- Registered by the seller in the Netherlands on 12th February 2021
- He acquired the car from a German specialist dealer
- The dealer advised that the car was a one family from new vehicle
- However there is no documentation to verify this
- Unfortunately the history prior to the seller’s acquisition has been lost
- A Jaguar Heritage Certificate verifies some of the details above
- It shows the car was originally white with a black interior
- It was manufactured on 30th October 1975 and despatched on 14th November 1975
- This makes it one of the first XJ-C built
- The car was supplied new to Dusseldorf, Germany
- Last serviced in March 2021
- Although little used since the seller advises that the car would benefit from servicing
The 2021 service work included:
- Oil, air and fuel filters changed
- Brake fluid flushed and changed
- Power steering fluid flushed and changed
- Auto transmission fluid changed
- Fuel line repairs
- Rear brake callipers replaced
- Layshaft rubber replaced
- Transmission mountings replaced
- Steering ball joints on both sides replaced
- Steering box cover
- Right-hand upper and lower ball joints replaced
- Water pump and belt
- Coolant system flushed, refilled and bled
- Spark plugs replaced
There was no obvious need for it because Jaguar already had a nominally four-seater coupe in the form of the XJ-S. But buyers liked the XJ-C’s more conservative - and utterly gorgeous - Jaguar styling and particularly the choice of XK six-cylinder or V12 propulsion.
Just 1,855 V12 Jaguar-badged XJ-Cs were built over two short years before those troublesome and costly engineering issues and BL rationalisation killed it. Today the XJ-C has a growing following as one of the rarest and most beautiful Jaguar coupes of all time.
The seller acquired this car from a specialist dealer in Dusseldorf on the understanding that it was a one-family-from-new vehicle. It is correctly registered in the Netherlands. It appears to have been restored prior to this including a colour change to dove grey. The chromework has also been professionally refinished in black across the bumpers, badges, trim pieces and screen surround.
The Interior
- Original and unrestored black leather interior showing the gentle patina of age
- Very presentable interior with light signs of wear and scope to improve
- Dashboard veneer presentable but with a couple of areas of light cracking
- Black leather seats appear original and show some wear to the front and rear squabs
- Door cards in good condition with clean, undamaged vinyl and complete fittings
- Smiths dials appear original and with clear, clean and undamaged faces
- The centre console retains its subtle ‘V12’ decal
- Switchgear appears original and shows some signs of age but presentable
- Centre console rear edge in rear area shows signs of wear
- Fitted with front and rear seatbelts
The Exterior
- Restored bodywork refinished in dove grey with blacked chromework
- The grey and black colour scheme works well and has been done to a high standard
- Straight bodywork with no visible corrosion and clean, consistent panel gaps
- Factory correct vinyl roof in good condition with no visible damage or deterioration
- Chromework is complete and has been carefully dechromed to black
- Desirable GKN alloy wheels in presentable condition
- The alloys show some light tarnishing and kerbing on some edges, but not unsightly
- Quality Pirelli Cinturato tyres with plenty of tread
- Small crack in paintwork on driver’s side edge of the screen scuttle
- Small scuffs on the blacked out aluminium screen surround
- Small chip on edge of passenger door
- Screen surrounds otherwise show good metalwork with no visible corrosion
- No soundproofing under bonnet
The Mechanics
- 5.3litre Jaguar V12 fuel-injected engine developing around 285bhp
- 3spd automatic Borg Warner gearbox
- 3,000 Euros expended in 2021 to service car including cooling system, brakes and running gear
- Has covered very few miles since
Summary
There were no logical reasons for the XJ-C to reach production because Jaguar already had a four-seater coupe. But let's be glad William Lyons got his way because it is arguably one of the most beautiful Jaguars. Quite an achievement considering the company’s output.
This XJ-C V12 has very good bodywork and evidence of recent expenditure. Subtly modified - which could be retained or easily returned to standard - it looks to be a very good example of a very desirable car.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes. On request, Car & Classic may refer you to a third-party shipping company. For more details, email [email protected]. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.,
Vehicle specification
- Year 1975
- Make Jaguar
- Model XJC
- Colour Grey
- Odometer 9,176 Kilometres
- Engine size 5300
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Town Zwartsluis
- Country Netherlands
17
bids
- Ar•••• €22,000 18/02/24
- Ti•••• €20,000 18/02/24
- ol•••• €19,750 18/02/24
- Ti•••• €19,500 18/02/24
- ol•••• €19,250 18/02/24
- Ar•••• €19,000 18/02/24
- ol•••• €17,250 18/02/24
- Ar•••• €17,000 18/02/24
- ol•••• €16,750 18/02/24
- Ar•••• €16,500 18/02/24
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