1977 Jaguar XJC 4.2

Highlights

  • Excellent condition throughout
  • Matching numbers example
  • Gentle and handsome interior patina 

The Appeal

A true blend of luxury, performance and superlative ride comfort. Launched in 1968 as the XJ6, consolidating all its saloon models into one stunning new automobile. The XJC didn’t materialise until 1975, showing a handsome new front end and frameless doors - which played a part in delaying the XJC’s release to the public due to poor sealing at high speeds during early tests. These handsome big cats had a short production run between the years of 1974 to 1978, making them a rather sought after bit of British history with a proper collectable status in today's market.
The example we have here houses the 4.2-litre straight six cylinder, and presents itself in remarkable condition. The XJC often comes to market in basket case condition with a shell that's rusted, parts missing, an engine that’s in dire need of rebuilding. Completely stripped of its elegance. Not here - this example is as lovely as it was when it left the factory in 1977, in complete state with an interior that would be fit for a king (or queen).  



The History and Paperwork

  • Originally registered on the 7th of April 1977
  • Registered as a historic vehicle, making it tax and MOT exempt
  • Most recent MOT was undertaken on the 13th of August 2020, showing a clean pass after some minor issues which had been fixed from the one before
  • V5C present and correct, ready for transfer of ownership
  • Good service documentation present with the vehicle 



The Interior

  • Excellently presented with some welcome hints of patina and use#
  • Leather upholstery on the front seats appears to be very well maintained, with some of the usual signs of age and use such as creases and cracks, and a slight tear noticed on the driver side squab along a stitching line
  • Rear seats are in lovely condition with very little signs of any wear, with great leatherwork under the rear windows
  • Original steering wheel is very well presented, just some gentle signs of use on the outer rim and the centrepiece
  • Original gauge cluster reportedly functions as it should with no fading present on the numerals and no damage to the lenses. The outer trims do show their age with the paint flaking off 
  • The wooden dashboard panel appears to be in good shape with no reported delamination or cracks 
  • Floor carpets appear in good shape, both footwells do show some signs of colour fading on the transmission tunnel and behind the pedals, however no rips or tears are to be seen here
  • Both door cards in good shape, just some slight wear noticed on the pull handle on the driver side with lovely brightwork present
  • Centre console appears to be in good condition with all functional switchgear, the original radio is present and reportedly functional and the gear shifter surround is in good shape too! 
  • Boot compartment is tidy and well kept, with few signs of wear present and no rips in the carpets 
  • Headlining reportedly remains in good shape with none of the usual sagging present 



The Exterior 

  • Beautiful blue paintwork in seemingly exceptional condition
  • Front headlamps in impeccable condition with no damage on the lenses
  • Brightwork front bumper, front grill and headlight trims are all in lovely condition with no signs of pitting or corrosion to be reported
  • Bonnet appears free from unwelcome chips and retains great panel gaps along both outer edges along the wings
  • All four wheels appear in lovely condition with no corrosion on the cut faces, and good black paintwork, all shod in good tyres with 2018 date codes
  • Bodywork along the sides of the vehicle is in excellent condition, with straight body panels and factory fitting shut lines
  • Brightwork handles and window trims are in beautiful shape with great clarity
  • At the rear, all of the lights are well presented with clear and damage-free lenses
  • Brightwork rear bumper is in exceptional condition with no blemishing or corrosion to be reported
  • Paintwork at the rear is also in good shape, with no damage reported
  • Vinyl top roof is in wonderful condition, no peeling or delamination to be seen anywhere across the roof



The Mechanics 

  • 4.2-litre straight-six engine, reported to be in great mechanical condition with no unwelcome noises or vibrations, with a healthy and steady idle producing that well loved grumble we all know from a Jaguar big 6
  • Automatic transmission, which we’re told remains in lovely condition with smooth gear changes and presents no unusual grinds or knocks and doesn’t have any unwanted hesitation off the line
  • Brakes are reported to be in great condition stopping the car on a dime, with no influence on the steering under heavy application
  • Steering remains as good as you would expect, easy to throw around with rewarding feedback
  • Suspension remains supple and able to swallow up the horrible British roads with ease, providing a lovely experience whether you’re driving or being ferried around in style
  • Engine bay is excellently presented, with a well polished manifold heat shield and very well done paintwork on surrounding components



Summary

The XJC is a staple in the British marques history, combining performance and luxury into one outstandingly handsome package. As is usually the case, these aren’t all too hard to find in completely rotten conditions, however finding one as well presented as this with a loving owner is a whole different ball game. Proper collectors condition, worthy of anyone's attention.

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.

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.

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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1977
  • Make Jaguar
  • Model XJC
  • Colour Blue
  • Odometer 44,642 Miles
  • Engine size 4235
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Newcastle upon Tyne
  • Location Tyne and Wear
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
5 bids from 3 bidders
  • Ju•••• £17,000 28/10/23
  • Sa•••• £16,000 28/10/23
  • Ju•••• £14,000 28/10/23
  • DB•••• £10,876 28/10/23
  • Ju•••• £10,000 28/10/23
Message C&C Auction Team

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