You wouldn’t expect a white Jaguar saloon with red leather and twin exhausts to whisper across time with this kind of elegance. Yet here we are, staring at a Series 1 XJ6 that looks like it’s been preserved in aspic since the early ’70s, then periodically dusted off by Jaguar nerds and concours judges alike.

Originally owned by one gentleman and chauffeur-driven until 1978, the car was dry stored for two decades with just over 5,000 miles on the clock. After a full recommission by renowned ex-Coombes engineer Ken Bell, it was then repainted — not because it’d been crashed or butchered, but simply because like all Jaguars of its era, the paint had dulled to a disappointing beige.

Since then it’s appeared in magazines, including Classic & Sportscar in May 2025, won trophies, passed through careful hands and lived in Ireland for a bit of peace and quiet. Now it’s back, 16,900 miles on the odometer, looking for someone who understands what an original-spec, manual-overdrive Series 1 actually means.

If you want the best 2.8 manual XJ6 in the country, well… this is probably it.

Astonishing, frankly. The paint is Old English White and it wears it like a pressed shirt — nothing flashy, but precisely correct. All panels appear straight and tidy, with shut lines that actually make sense. Chrome work is mirror-finish and even the hubcaps are shiny enough to signal astronauts.

Inside, it’s an absolute riot of red leather and polished wood. The seats don’t show much wear, the dashboard is mostly clean bar some patina on switchgear, and the gearknob and controls bear light marks in keeping with its age. It’s loud, it’s bright, and it looks like the set of a Roger Moore-era Bond film.

Engine bay is clean and nicely detailed for an unrestored example. The underside shows some surface corrosion but nothing alarming. It’s obviously been stored well, even if some components have had a bit of a workout in recent recommissioning.

Comes with a spare wheel, full jack set and original Jaguar toolkit.

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..