Description
This is a remarkably original 1971 Jaguar XJ6 Series 1, powered by the 4. 2-litre straight-six engine with automatic transmission. It is finished in its factory colour combination of Sable with Cinnamon leather upholstery and currently displays just under 9, 000 miles.
The mileage is believed genuine and is supported by an unusually comprehensive history file. Original MOT certificates and maintenance invoices trace the mileage from only 666 miles in 1993, through 4, 420 miles in 2000, 6, 517 miles in 2003 and 6, 941 miles in 2006. The Jaguar was advertised and sold by a specialist dealer in 2010 with 7, 000 miles, while a service invoice from May 2025 records 8, 657 miles, consistent with the present odometer reading.
It is understood that the Jaguar was supplied or shipped to the Isle of Man when new and remained there for approximately the first 20 to 25 years of its life. This would explain why the mainland DVLA record begins in 1993 rather than 1971. I contacted the relevant Isle of Man vehicle authority in an attempt to verify its early history, but unfortunately its records do not extend far enough back. The Isle of Man history should therefore be regarded as understood rather than independently documented.
A letter of authenticity issued by Jaguar Cars in 1989 confirms the original factory specification:
Jaguar 4. 2 Series 1
Chassis number 1L 18434 BW
Engine number 7L 35562 S
Gearbox number 2G 354
Axle ratio 3. 33:1
Sable paintwork
Cinnamon trim
The chassis and engine details correspond with the accompanying vehicle-history records. A specialist dealer advert from 2010 described the Jaguar as a matching-numbers, unrestored and highly original example which had spent much of its life covered in a heated, dehumidified garage. It was still described as a one-owner car at that time. A later vehicle-history report records three previous registered keepers before the present keeper and shows no recorded theft, write-off, salvage, outstanding finance, colour change or registration-plate change.
The extensive history file includes the Jaguar authenticity letter, numerous original MOT certificates, historic service and maintenance invoices, previous sales documentation, vehicle-history reports and other supporting paperwork.
Historic invoices record servicing and maintenance despite the car’s exceptionally limited use. Work undertaken between 2000 and 2003 included routine servicing, braking and suspension work, cooling-system repairs, replacement fuel pumps and substantial exhaust-system work.
During my ownership, the car was serviced and worked on by Auto Evolution in May/ June 2025 at 8, 657 miles. The work included:
Engine oil and filter service using Liqui Moly 20W-50 oil
Replacement front brake pads
Replacement rear subframe shackle bushes and mounting kit
Fitting a replacement steering wheel
In January 2026, four new tyres were fitted. The exhaust system was also altered by removing two centre resonators and installing a rear silencer. Invoices for the recent work are included.
The Jaguar is stored inside a dry, warm garage forming part of my house. It runs and drives well and was taken for a drive very recently after receiving fresh fuel, starting easily and performing well.
One of the two fuel tanks is currently out of use and has been throughout my ownership. The car runs correctly from the other tank, but the inactive tank will require recommissioning. This has been taken into account in the description and sale.
As expected with an unrestored 55-year-old Jaguar, the car is not being presented as concours. An inspection in 2025 identified a corrosion hole in the nearside front floor section, corrosion to the offside front outer sill towards the front and corrosion to the radiator support channel. These areas have not been repaired, and the car is being sold as it stands. I was advised that the repairs should not be especially extensive or expensive, but prospective buyers should inspect the affected areas and reach their own conclusions about the work and cost involved.
Wheels and tyres are in very good condition, all 4 tyres are brand new. Paintwork is in good condition, chrome could do with some buffing in places. Interior is in good condition, seats have no nicks or tears, veneer is ok but could do with being re polished if new owner wanted to.
The car is exempt from mandatory MOT testing due to its age.
I purchased the Jaguar in October 2024 from my uncle who was the previous owner before me. It is now being sold because id like to make room for a manual v8 car of some sort.
The precise mileage at the time of writing is 8706. Viewing and independent inspection are welcomed.
I bought this Jaguar because my uncle was selling the vehicle and I loved the shape and presence of the car, but what makes it particularly special is its originality, exceptionally low mileage and remarkable documentary history.
The Series 1 is arguably the purest and most elegant version of the original XJ design. Its slim chrome bumpers, traditional Jaguar dashboard and beautifully proportioned body capture the understated elegance of the period. The original Sable and Cinnamon colour combination suits it particularly well and gives the car a wonderfully authentic early-1970s appearance.
What really distinguishes this example is that its story does not rely solely on the odometer. Its identity and original specification are supported by a 1989 letter of authenticity from Jaguar Cars, while original MOT certificates, maintenance invoices and period sales material document its exceptionally limited use over several decades.
The recorded mileage progresses from only 666 miles in 1993 to 4, 420 miles in 2000, 6, 517 miles in 2003, 6, 941 miles in 2006, 7, 000 miles when sold by a specialist dealer in 2010 and 8, 657 miles in 2025.
It is understood that the car spent approximately its first 20 to 25 years on the Isle of Man, explaining why its mainland DVLA history begins in 1993. Although the relevant Isle of Man authority was unable to retrieve records from that far back, the later documentary trail is substantial and internally consistent.
The car runs and drives well and starts easily, including after receiving fresh fuel ahead of a recent drive. It has continued to be kept in a dry, warm internal garage during my ownership.
This is not a freshly restored or concours example. It is an honest, highly original survivor with known corrosion repairs and one fuel tank requiring recommissioning, both of which have been clearly disclosed. It provides its next custodian with the opportunity to address those areas while preserving the originality and character that make the car so unusual.
It should appeal to an enthusiast who values originality, provenance and preservation and wants to become the next custodian of a particularly distinctive Series 1 XJ6.
