Absolutely stunning example of Jaguar’s Series II coupé
Large history file including original bill of sale
Genuine low mileage
Mechanically and cosmetically superb
THE APPEAL
Here’s one for the pub quiz – why did every Jaguar XJ-C leave the factory with a vinyl roof?
The answer is one that brings out the resourceful ingenuity of British engineering. A two-door coupé version of the XJ saloon had been part of Sir William Lyons’s plan for the brand right from the very start, but development costs for a new body shell too high.
Development carried on, though, and by the time the Series II XJ came along in 1973, the Coupé was almost ready thanks to some clever engineering from Browns Lane’s body-in-white team, who had worked out a way of using a standard XJ body and reducing its length to create a smaller door aperture and shorter roof. That vinyl covering fitted to all XJ-Cs is there to hide the seam weld across the middle of the roof that was added as part of Jaguar’s body development.
And we’re very glad they persisted, as the XJC has to be one of the best-looking cars of its era. The XJ saloon was a delicate and pretty enough car – the XJ-C is just gorgeous.
This one is as good as they get. Not only does it have a fascinating history and is in immaculate condition, but it is also a V12 – the ultimate expression of the model and one that’s a true collector’s piece, having covered a mere 56,000 miles from new.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
MOT and tax exempt, but vendor has just had the car MOT’d for peace of mind and the current test is valid until April 2024
Owner’s handbook
Original British Leyland ‘Passport to Service’, stamped up to the 1990s
Supplied new to communications company RACAL in Berkshire, which became the UK arm of Vodafone and was a mobile communications pioneer
Original bill of sale from J V Like & Sons of Hay-on-Wye, complete with multiple service stamps from the dealership
Selection of old tax discs
Many old MOT certificates including the car’s very first one from 1978
A4 file of paperwork and documentation showing invoices, receipts and bills from the 1990s onwards
Recent invoice from SNG Barratt for Opus ignition system
Invoices for over £4,000 in body repairs in 2003
User manual for Sharp ‘Searcher’ radio-cassette player that is still installed in the car
THE INTERIOR
Smart black leather
Recarpeted throughout
Well-presented veneers
Period Sharp radio-cassette
The cabin of this car is in lovely overall order, the original black leather seats showing minor signs of wear to the driver’s sided bolster area and the rest of the interior in beautifully preserved condition, with barely any wear to the wood veneers and door cards and an excellent headlining.
The vendor believes the carpets have been renewed prior to his ownership such is their excellent condition, while a truly glorious feature of the Jaguar is its Sharp ‘Searcher’ radio-cassette player, which was the height of technology in its day thanks to its ability to recognise gaps between tracks. It is still in full working order today.
The luggage bay is clean and the floor carpet superb, while the original spare wheel and tools are present.
THE EXTERIOR
Original Jaguar Dark Blue
Chrome-finished steel road wheels
Fantastic paint, chrome and trim
Appears superb underneath
New tyres fitted in 2017
Finished in the imaginatively named Jaguar Dark Blue, the XJ12 C is in wonderful order, with no causes for concern at all and a fantastic overall appearance.
Underneath, the floors and sills appear to be in excellent order, as do the chassis rails (see photographs of the car on a ramp to make your own judgement), while all of the external chrome and trim is in lovely order.
The paint is superb and has a fabulous shine to it, having been repainted just over 20 years ago and carefully looked-after since. The invoice for the repairs comes with the car and shows mostly cosmetic work that was carried out along with some minor welding at a cost of just over £4,000, suggesting a visual overhaul rather than any form of advanced repair work.
The car has been carefully garaged by its two owners since and is in breath-taking condition today.
THE MECHANICS
5.3-litre V12
Automatic transmission
Brand new Opus electronic ignition
Well-maintained and in good running order
Jaguar’s 5.3-litre V12 engine is a masterpiece of engineering and is as visually appealing as it is from a driving perspective. A confusing but fascinating mass of pipework sits across the two banks of cylinders, which fill the car’s engine bay.
The mileage of just over 56,000 is believed to be genuine and the car runs beautifully, starting on the button and performing smoothly and quietly. An SNG Barratt-supplied Opus electronic ignition system has recently been fitted to improve starting and performance.
SUMMARY
Built for a mere two years, the Jaguar XJ-C is a rare and increasingly collectable classic, with just over 11,000 made and just a few hundred survivors. In total, a mere 1,877 XJ12s were made, making the V12 model the most desirable and rarest of the lot.
You’ll have to look long and hard to find one that’s as good as this example, too. It’s stunning. A beautiful car that will turn heads wherever it goes, and offered for sale in truly delightful condition.
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.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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