This included bodywork repairs, repaint, retrim and engine rebuild
One of only 604 RHD 5.3L Jaguar XJCs built
Beautiful factory correct Primrose Yellow over black colour scheme
Only 700 miles covered since restoration
Voluntary MOT valid until 12 September 2025 with no advisories
Long list of upgrades to cooling, braking and suspension systems
Features in Classic & Sportscar magazine issue 542
The Appeal
The 2 door coupe version of Jaguar's XJ saloon was a proper labour of love for the firm's mercurial founder, Sir William Lyons. One of the last cars developed with his full involvement, it is amongst the firm's most beautiful and rarest models.
Just 604 5.3L V12 Jaguar-badged XJCs left the works. This is car number 35. And it looks magnificent in its lovely factory-correct Primrose Yellow finish. The car was subject to a 'nut and bolt' restoration by Miles Classics between 2017 and 2018 that cost the current seller £45,000. The work covered bodywork strip down, repair and repaint and an interior retrim. The engine was also rebuilt and extended to 5.4L. The car has covered less than 700 miles since completion.
The quality of the work is obvious from the photographs. Take a look at the panel fit, which takes time to get right on a XJC, and the standard of paint finish. The interior was fully retrimmed and is at a similar level. The work included upgrading the cooling system with a double core radiator and Kenlowe fan.
Alongside rebuilding that silky smooth V12, upgrades included a stainless steel exhaust system, a retro-look Bluetooth-enabled radio head unit, a GM400 three-speed automatic gearbox, a double core aluminium radiator, ventilated brake discs, silicone engine hoses, polyurethane bushings, braided brake hoses, and Kenlowe cooling fans.
When buying a classic you hope you'll find one where someone else has done all the work. Even better if they've barely used it since completion. This car ticks both those boxes. It comes to market with a voluntary MOT to September 2025 with no advisories. This is a fantastic opportunity for a discerning collector.
The vendor says:
"I bought these cars and had them completely restored by a well reputed specialist as a labour of love and at no expense spared. I know I will never get my money back but I am thinning out my collection and I hope these will go to a lovely new home"
Car retains its original factory colour scheme of Primrose with black leather interior
Primrose paintwork in impressive condition, with sparing use since repaint
Paintwork is even and consistent in cover with only small marks present
Fitted with new black vinyl roof in generally excellent condition
Refurbished machine cut Kent alloy wheels in very good condition
All four wheels fitted with Bridgestone tyres
Lights and glasswork in good order appearing undamaged and unmisted
Retrimmed black leather interior with glossy wood trims, presents very well
Newer radio with period look, and original two-spoke wheel add to the appeal
No reported issues with underside or structure, pictured and in solid order
No structural advisories on current MOT
The car’s earlier restoration by Miles Classics has been performed to a very high standard, with a focus on maintaining the car’s originality of specification and parts, all while creating a more usable classic, with the addition of a few choice upgrades to keep the car cool, and to ensure it performs exactly as a V12-powered Jaguar grand tourer should, smoothly, quietly and with effortless pace.
As can be seen in the image gallery, the paint and chromework all present in very good order with the body having been media blasted to a bare shell, all corrosion removed, new metal set in and the car oxide protected, repainted and seam sealed where required. The interior of the car received the same meticulous attention with a re-trim of the seats, replacement of the carpets and dashboard including the wooden veneers, and an upgrade of the dashboard to be trimmed in leather.
The vinyl roof was replaced with new, the Kent alloys refurbished, a new Sundym green top-tint windscreen was installed, as well as new rubber seals, and having covered only around 700 miles since the restoration, the vehicle’s condition is very good, as can be clearly seen.
The engine bay looks clean and tidy as shown in the gallery
Current MOT with no advisories
Upgrades during 2017-2018 restoration under 700 miles ago:
Engine upgraded to 5.4L
Stainless steel exhaust system
GM400 three-speed automatic gearbox
Double core aluminium radiator
Ventilated brake discs
Silicone engine hoses
Polyurethane bushings
Braided brake hoses
Kenlowe cooling fans
The seller reports that given this car’s limited mileage since the major overhaul, and the fact it has been MOT tested every year since with only minor advisory items noted, means it runs and drives exactly as it should, with the gearbox changing through the gears smoothly, and the engine idling quietly and with plenty of power available when required.
The upgrades fitted are noted to make the car a thoroughly usable proposition, with the engine now staying cool on even the warmest of summer days, and the brakes are noted to be a sizeable upgrade from the original items that were on the car. It is rare to find an XJC on the market in general, given their relative rarity, and one that has received such a thorough overhaul as this one, is yet rarer still.image.png3.47 MB
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:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..
