Highlights

Rare early example of the Jaguar XJ-S
Over €20,000 invested in mechanical recommissioning, with supporting invoices
Described as retaining its original factory paint, never resprayed
Described as unmodified and factory-standard throughout
Stored dry and indoors, kept on a trickle charger when not in use

The Appeal

The Jaguar XJ-S became a highly successful grand tourer, a long-legged, continent-crossing coupé powered by one of the smoothest production engines ever made. But sales took time to gather impetus. Malcolm Sayer's radical design was initially met with a lukewarm reception. A high list price and global oil crisis didn't exactly help matters, so the fact is that early "pre-HE" XJ-S are very rare indeed.

This 1976 example is described by the vendor as a genuine survivor: unmodified, factory-standard, and said to be retaining its original paintwork and blue leather interior. Imported from the USA, it has benefited from over €20,000 of mechanical recommissioning in recent years, encompassing the fuel system, cooling system, ignition components, brakes, and parts of the suspension, with invoices to support the work carried out. The vendor reports that the V12 starts reliably, runs smoothly, and that the automatic gearbox shifts correctly.

Purchased by the seller's father around 2022, it has been stored indoors and kept on a trickle charger when not in use. The paintwork shows its age with dullness and fading, but the body is described as straight and structurally sound, making this an honest, mechanically sorted grand tourer that is ready to enjoy, or to reward a cosmetic refresh that would bring its appearance in line with its mechanical condition.

Key Information

Mileage: 69,000 miles (believed to be correct)
Country of registration: Netherlands (imported from the USA; duty and taxes still to pay)
Technical inspection status: reportedly exempt
Technical specs: 5.3-litre V12 petrol, three-speed automatic
Paperwork: invoices for mechanical recommissioning available; documentation maintained by current owner, heritage certificate

The Detail

Fuel system, cooling system, ignition components, brakes, and parts of the suspension overhauled
The vendor reports the V12 starts reliably both cold and warm and runs smoothly
Automatic gearbox reported to shift correctly without issues
Body described as straight and structurally sound with good panel fit
Factory paint described as showing dullness, fading, and age-related deterioration
Chrome parts described as presenting well for their age
Rubber seals partly original and partly replaced
Underside described as solid with no known major corrosion or structural issues
Interior features largely original blue leather with light age-related wear
The vendor states that seats, dashboard, and door panels are well preserved with no major damage
Instruments, switches, and electrical features reported to function as expected

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. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.