Highlights
- Rare French original example with complete known history of its mere three owners
- Previously owned by businessman and former racing driver André Trigano for over 40 years
- Comprehensive documentation including original delivery note, warranty certificate and service passport
- Contrôle Technique until August 2027
The Appeal
Combining the immense luxury of the XJ platform with Jaguar's magnificent V12 engine, as fitted to the last generation of E-Type, the XJ12 was the ultimate British sporting luxury car of the 1970s. This carbureted version, produced before the introduction of the troublesome fuel injection system in 1975 and before British Leyland's quality control issues, is particularly sought after by enthusiasts.
This specific example stands out for its comprehensive history file and the prestigious provenance of having been owned by French businessman and former racing driver André Trigano for over four decades. With its elegant black exterior, distinctive gold trim, and tastefully restored biscuit interior, this XJ12L offers a rare opportunity to acquire a well-preserved piece of automotive history.
This specific example stands out for its comprehensive history file and the prestigious provenance of having been owned by French businessman and former racing driver André Trigano for over four decades. With its elegant black exterior, distinctive gold trim, and tastefully restored biscuit interior, this XJ12L offers a rare opportunity to acquire a well-preserved piece of automotive history.
History and Paperwork
- 19,181 km indicated
- First registered on March 22, 1974, with only three owners from new (complete known history)
- Purchased new by French industrialist Jean-Bernard Hoamelin on March 12, 1974 from Garage Wilson in Levallois, Paris
- Sold in July 1979 to businessman André Trigano, who kept it for over forty years
- Trigano was a former racing driver, mayor, and successful entrepreneur
- Acquired by current owner in September 2020 at auction
- Given as a gift to the owner's father (registration maintained in owner's name)
- Has travelled approximately 3,300 km since 2020 (average 660 km/year)
- Has a Contrôle Technique with expiry date August 2027
- In September 1989, received a replacement engine with 16,000 km
- Comes with original delivery note, warranty certificate, and service passport (British Leyland)
- Includes original registration certificates from all owners
- Features Artcurial sales certificate and purchase invoice
- Includes photo file and original invoices for engine replacement
- Contains vehicle maintenance booklet in André Trigano's name
- Comes with original Philips radio documentation
- Includes original colour owner's manual
- Features original electrical wiring diagram in French
- Contains original air conditioning wiring diagram in French
- Includes original maintenance plan in French
- Comes with upholstery, mechanical, and bodywork restoration files (invoices + photos)
- Car belongs to the private collection of a French diplomat
- All cars in the collection stored in closed, monitored garages with regular maintenance
The Condition
- Exterior colour: Black with gold trim
- Interior colour: Biscuit
- Unique colour combination: black body with gold trim, yellow Carello headlights
- Biscuit-coloured interior with quality restored upholstery
- Original Philips radio with original user manual
- Paint presents well at first glance, with some wear visible upon closer inspection
- Overall good state of preservation
- 10/2020: Complete ceramic treatment by Ciric Performance in Pamiers (photo documentation)
- 11/2020: Fitted with 4 new Toyo Proxes CF 2 205/70/R15 96H SUV tyres
- 11/2020: Partial upholstery restoration including headliner replacement, headrest padding, sun visors, B-pillar repairs, driver's carpet restoration, and recolouring of front seats and rear bench
- 08/2025: Restoration of rear panel under trunk (bodywork and paint)
- 10/2020: Driver's side sill replacement and passenger side sill repair by André Trigano's personal body shop
The Mechanics
- 5.3-litre V12
- Automatic transmission with three gears
- Power: 244 hp
- V12 with carburettors (4 Zenith-Stromberg) before fuel injection was introduced in 1975
- Equipped with power steering and air conditioning
- Drives very well in all gears, we are told
- Brakes reportedly function properly
- Power steering works well, we are told
- Good acceleration thanks to a well-tuned V12 with four carburettors
- 10/1989: New engine installation (16,000 km), front shock absorber replacement, power steering hose replacement, complete fluid changes, filter replacements, complete vehicle overhaul
- 06/2020: Replacement of master cylinder, six wheel cylinders, brake hoses, brake callipers, and both fuel tanks
- 06/2020: Complete overhaul of all four Zenith-Stromberg carburetors
- 11/2020: Replacement of steering track rod end and outer fulcrum on front left
- 11/2020: Replacement of brake servo (Mastervac)
- 04/2021: Master cylinder replacement
- 09/2021: Air conditioning dehydration bottle replacement
- 02/2023: Power steering rack boot replacement
- 06/2025: Replacement of fuel gauges for both tanks
- Regular oil changes and filter replacements performed by the current owner
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