Highlights
- Recent £22,000 comprehensive restoration
- Beautifully presented car in Silver Frost
- Impeccable condition inside and out
- Full service history with recent service prior to sale
- One of only 886 RHD XJ81 cars built
- Low mileage of under 76,000 miles
- Long MOT to February 2026 with no advisories
The Appeal
It is a testament to the enduring brilliance of Jaguar’s V12 engine that when the original Series XJ12 was retired, the firm put considerable investment into creating the XJ81, the 6L V12 version of the XJ40. It required considerable re-engineering because the XJ40 was not designed for such a wide unit.
Just 886 RHD XJ81s left the factory, of which the luxury Daimler-badged models - like this one - constitute only a small handful. We know we’re on safe ground when we suggest that this 1994 car is one of the very best.
A Jaguar Heritage Certificate confirms that the current combination of Silver Frost metallic over Saville Grey leather is factory correct. The car even has its original book pack with Jaguar cassette tape, map and air freshener.
The car was extensively restored in 2021 at a cost of £22,000, work that touched every aspect of the car through bodywork, paintwork, trim, suspension and brakes.
This is a very low mileage car in quite impeccable condition and is said to have full service history. It comes to market with a fresh service and advisory-free MOT to February 2026. For enthusiasts of these rare V12 XJ40s - including us - this is a proper treat.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 29th March 1994
- Factory built February 1993
- One of the first XJ81 cars built
- Eight registered keepers
- Current keeper since September 2018
- £22,000 restoration in 2021 by Just Historic Cars
- Factory book pack and wallets as shown
- Original Jaguar cassette tape, map and air freshener included
- Vendor advises that car has full service history
- All keys and fobs from factory included
- Recently serviced prior to sale
- MOT to 20th February 2026 with no advisories
- 75,369 miles on MOT test and now on 75,417 miles
- JDHT Heritage Certificate as shown confirming build date and specification
The Condition
- Beautifully presented car in smart Silver Frost metallic paint
- Paintwork presents very well due to recent restoration and sparing use
- No issues advised for paintwork with few if any visible in photos
- Bodywork is very well kept following extensive welding and refurbishment in 2021
- Panels present straight with well kept edges, sills and arches
- There is a small area of bubbling to offside rear arch as shown in photos
- Underside is well kept with evidence of restoration work and no MOT structural advisories
- Daimler-branded lattice-style alloy wheels have been refurbished and look unmarked
- Fitted with matching quality Toyo Proxes tyres showing good condition and plenty of tread
- Retains its Daimler factory features including additional exterior chromework
- Exterior fittings including trim, badges, bumpers and lights all in good order
- Headlights are clear with no obvious misting or damage to report
- Retrimmed Savile Grey leather interior looks virtually new and is barely worn
- High traffic areas such as driver’s seat and footwell are very well kept
- Veneers, switchgear, headlining and door cards all in very good order
- No reported issues with electrics, switchgear or lighting
- No dashboard warning lights visible or reported
The Daimler version of the XJ81 is the ‘ultimate’ variant of the XJ40, the one with the most luxury, the best hides and the most chrome. Hence this car looks resplendent in the sunny photographs.
The SIlver Frost paintwork and Savile Grey leathe interior were refurbished during the 2021 restoration. The quality of the work is obvious from the photographs and shows few, if any indications of subsequent use. There is a very small area of bubbling to the offside rear arch that the buyer may wish to attend to before it develops. But this is a minor blip on an otherwise impeccably presented car.
The Mechanics
- 5,993cc V12 Jaguar engine
- 4spd automatic gearbox
- Full service history advised by seller
- Recent service prior to sale
- No advisories on current MOT
- Described as running and driving very well by seller
- Extensive restoration work in 2021 shown in invoices
The XJ81 was one of the last opportunities to experience Jaguar’s superlative, super-smooth V12. Capacity was pushed out to 6L and power raised to 318bhp, delivering a car that was nearly as quick as the later XJR.
This example has covered less than 76,000 miles in its 31 years. The mileage is supported by a record of full service history that continues right up to the present day with a recent service prior to sale.
The £22,000 restoration in 2021 included a full review of the car’s mechanicals and running gear with resultant work to various areas including suspension, brakes and engine. This work is documented in the photographs.
The car is reported to run and drive very well with no issues for the buyer to attend to. This is supported by the long, advisory-free MOT.
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 of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s 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.
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