One of a reported 6,487 Jag XJ 4.2 Coupes produced over four-year run
Running and driving with just a few bits needing attention
Fully complete, solid base for restoration or refurbishment
The Appeal
The Jaguar XJ6-based luxury 4-door saloon was introduced to the world in October 1968. Four years later in 1972, Jag also introduced a long wheelbase option which provided an additional four inches to the passenger compartment, later becoming the standard wheelbase used on XJ6 moving forward. An updated Series II was released in 1973, receiving a different front bumper which was raised a bit higher than its predecessor in order to meet more stringent safety regulations in the USA. It also received an update to the interior as well as introducing a superior heating and air conditioning system.
A personal project of Sir William Lyons, AKA “Mr. Jaguar”, co-founder of the nameplate, the XJ-C Coupe—as we have here—was introduced in 1975. The 2-door coupe was built on the short wheelbase chassis of the series I, engineered with longer doors and a slightly changed roofline with a coupe-only black vinyl roof, to accommodate side windows which had no B-pillar supports. An open and airy feeling was associated with these large pillarless windows, stretching from the front of the windshield and continuing past the door line to the rear C-pillar, which contributed to the more aggressive short wheelbase stature that Lyons was originally keen to produce.
In a state of non-use for its recent known history since 2018, this Jag is an excellent fully complete example which can be brought back to life with a light restoration and refurbishment project. As a running and driving Coupe that’s in need of a bit of love and recommissioning, its already well on its way to returning to the road. lgUPdHeDGa0OG8G5B6V3sKgHfeyLRh0elUW7Fh4j.jpg729.73 KB
The History and Paperwork
First registration on 8th November 1976
Latest MoT on 9th September 2017 with no advisories
MoT and VED exempt in the UK
The vehicle is registered as Private/Light Goods
Dry stored since 2018 in previous ownership
History mostly unknown before current ownership
The Interior
Owner states all lights, switches, buttons are in an overall functional state, but have not all been independently verified as the vehicle hasn’t been driven or used very much in current state
Windows confirmed to work, engine turns over and fires up easily
Seats in used condition, showing signs of wear and age but all complete and matching, no tears or real issues seen other than creases in leather from use, would benefit from a deep clean and treatment
Driver’s seat with medium to heavy signs of use, passenger and rear seats in better condition
Footwells and kickboards in worn and slightly dirty but usable shape, weather guards in place, overall the carpet would benefit from deep cleaning
Dashboard in overall great condition
Wood veneer shows some areas with some cracking, but overall usable with good lamination remaining
Steering wheel in excellent condition with only very small signs of use
Buttons, switches, and dials in usable condition but some black marking present as is usual for this era of Jag
Headlining sagging a bit in some areas, some mould present, would benefit from deep clean
Boot is in condition expected for the age of the vehicle, with surface corrosion present but no areas of concern, spare tire present
In overall slightly aging condition, but has room for improvement with polish and touch-ups
Paintwork shows good gloss, but some fading is apparent, and some bubbling seen as pictured
All panels and trim present
Brightwork in great condition, very shiny with only very minor marks from the road
Glass in overall good condition with some scuffs and scratches, but without any cracks or chips larger than a pinpoint, rear hood window hazing from age
Light lenses in good condition but some fading can be seen
Some bubbling and rust seen passenger side bottom windshield as pictured
Wheels in overall good condition but some pitting and corrosion present, all centre caps present
Tires still with some tread, but do show some age, would likely need replacing
Underside shows some surface corrosion and peeling of the undercoat but overall, no areas of concern seen
Engine bay in aging condition as to be expected for the age of the vehicle, with some surface-only corrosion present but overall good shape
4.2L I6 engine present and running, current owner suggests a carburettor tune and balance
Owner states the engine turns over and fires up without hesitation, just requiring minor tune up and recommissioning before being reinstated to the road
Owner states transmission, brakes and suspension work as to be expected for a Jag of this age
This convertible coupe is an excellent candidate for a light project or full restoration, without any known missing elements or trim. Otherwise, it could just as easily be put back on the road with a quick commissioning and tune up. With so few XJ-C remaining in existence, an opportunity like this does not come around often.
As a personal project from Mr. Jaguar himself, and reportedly being the last Jaguar model along with the Series II saloons to carry direct input from Lyons, it is indeed a piece of Jaguar history, and carries with it a value higher than the sum of its parts. Well on its way to returning to the road, this rare coupe is an incredible opportunity to enjoy a true legend.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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