Highlights
- Verified pre-production model, chassis
- Originally company car of Andy Whyte, Jaguar's marketing director
- Factory correct white over blue colour scheme
- Very rare MOD car with 4.2L XK engine
- Over £15,000 spent on recent maintenance and restoration
- Engine rebuild completed in February 2025
The Appeal
Jaguar’s XJC was a proper labour love. Its development was driven by Sir WIlliam Lyons and was the last project he was directly involved in. There was no obvious requirement for it - Jaguar already had the XJS in development - but Lyons had a single-minded vision for a pillarless GT based on his beautiful XJ saloon.
The project wasn’t without its problems. Getting the pillarless window design right was a particular cause of delays. This car played a role in all that because it is chassis number five - a genuine pre-production car that was Jaguar Marketing Director Andy Whyte’s personal company car when new.
He picked a compelling specification. The car is fitted with the torquey 4.2L XK motor allied to the ultra-rare 4spd manual gearbox with overdrive. Dialling up the exclusivity is the Old English White paint scheme - just 163 4.2L XJCs left the factory with that paintwork.
This car returned to the UK in 2021 whereupon a comprehensive £15,000 restoration began that covered the mechanicals, running gear and bodywork. More recently, the engine was rebuilt in February 2025 by a well-regarded classic Jaguar specialist.
With its black vinyl roof and lovely dark blue pre-production interior - complete with air conditioning - this car presents well with a light patina to the paintwork. It is a fantastic, perhaps unique opportunity to acquire a historically significant example of one of Jaguar’s most beautiful cars.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in 1975 according to seller
- XJC production began in December 1974
- This car is confirmed as chassis number five
- Letter from Jaguar dated 1991 confirms factory specification
- Registered in the UK in December 2021
- One registered keeper since returning to the UK
- DVLA records first registration as 2nd August 1973
- Registered in the UK on plate RCH899M
- Showing 25,553kms in photographs
- We cannot confirm the mileage due to the five digit odometer
- Former company car of Andy Whyte, Jaguar's former marketing director
- Recent service invoices available, including a February 2025 engine rebuild
- History folder includes photos of an earlier rebuild by the previous owner
- Over £15,000 spent on the car in 2022 covering paintwork, mechanicals and running gear as shown
- Engine rebuild by Jaguar specialist in February 2025 costing £5,230
The Condition
- Car retains its original factory colour scheme of white with blue leather interior
- Rare Old English White paintwork in fair condition for age with some points to note
- Paintwork is even and consistent in cover with some localised damage to note
- This includes the rear boot area and edges of front nearside arch
- Bodywork is very presentable and generally solid with vendor stating ‘no rust’
- There is a small dent to note to rear quarter
- Fitted with black factory vinyl roof in good general condition
- Chromed steel wheels in good order with tyres showing good remaining tread
- Exterior chromework generally in good order with some light tarnish to certain elements as shown in photos
- Lights and glasswork in good order appearing undamaged and unmisted
- Pre-production interior with certain unique features that aficionados can spot in photos
- Dark blue leather interior with pre-production seats with close stitched pleated seats
- Leather is well kept with a light patina typical of an older well kept classic car
- Dashboard, veneers, door cards and carpets all well kept and retain pre-production features
- Pre-production switchgear and console with dials for Diavia Arlia air conditioning system
- Period radio, original two-spoke wheel and other cabin details add to the appeal
- No reported issues with underside or structure
- Recent bodywork renovations detailed above and in history photos by Jaguar specialist
The Mechanics
- 4,235cc XK straight six engine rebuilt by marque specialist in February 2025
- Engine work is so recent that car will likely require some running in
- Very rare 4spd overdrive ‘MOD’ gearbox
- Mechanicals checked over in February 2025 by specialist during engine rebuild
- Earlier refurbishment work to mechanicals and running gear as part of £15,000 2022 work
- Car is said to run and drive very well after restoration and engine rebuild
- No reported running or driving issues
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