Highlights

Excellent condition throughout
Matching numbers example
Gentle and handsome interior patina

The Appeal

A true blend of luxury, performance and superlative ride comfort. Launched in 1968 as the XJ6, consolidating all its saloon models into one stunning new automobile. The XJC didn’t materialise until 1975, showing a handsome new front end and frameless doors - which played a part in delaying the XJC’s release to the public due to poor sealing at high speeds during early tests. These handsome big cats had a short production run between the years of 1974 to 1978, making them a rather sought after bit of British history with a proper collectable status in today's market.

The example we have here houses the 4.2-litre straight six cylinder, and presents itself in remarkable condition. The XJC often comes to market in basket case condition with a shell that's rusted, parts missing, an engine that’s in dire need of rebuilding. Completely stripped of its elegance. Not here - this example is as lovely as it was when it left the factory in 1977, in complete state with an interior that would be fit for a king (or queen).

The History and Paperwork

Originally registered on the 7th of April 1977
Registered as a historic vehicle, making it tax and MOT exempt
Most recent MOT was undertaken on the 13th of August 2020, showing a clean pass after some minor issues which had been fixed from the one before
V5C present and correct, ready for transfer of ownership
Good service documentation present with the vehicle

The Interior

Excellently presented with some welcome hints of patina and use#
Leather upholstery on the front seats appears to be very well maintained, with some of the usual signs of age and use such as creases and cracks, and a slight tear noticed on the driver side squab along a stitching line
Rear seats are in lovely condition with very little signs of any wear, with great leatherwork under the rear windows
Original steering wheel is very well presented, just some gentle signs of use on the outer rim and the centrepiece
Original gauge cluster reportedly functions as it should with no fading present on the numerals and no damage to the lenses. The outer trims do show their age with the paint flaking off
The wooden dashboard panel appears to be in good shape with no reported delamination or cracks
Floor carpets appear in good shape, both footwells do show some signs of colour fading on the transmission tunnel and behind the pedals, however no rips or tears are to be seen here
Both door cards in good shape, just some slight wear noticed on the pull handle on the driver side with lovely brightwork present
Centre console appears to be in good condition with all functional switchgear, the original radio is present and reportedly functional and the gear shifter surround is in good shape too!
Boot compartment is tidy and well kept, with few signs of wear present and no rips in the carpets
Headlining reportedly remains in good shape with none of the usual sagging present

The Exterior

Beautiful blue paintwork in seemingly exceptional condition
Front headlamps in impeccable condition with no damage on the lenses
Brightwork front bumper, front grill and headlight trims are all in lovely condition with no signs of pitting or corrosion to be reported
Bonnet appears free from unwelcome chips and retains great panel gaps along both outer edges along the wings
All four wheels appear in lovely condition with no corrosion on the cut faces, and good black paintwork, all shod in good tyres with 2018 date codes
Bodywork along the sides of the vehicle is in excellent condition, with straight body panels and factory fitting shut lines
Brightwork handles and window trims are in beautiful shape with great clarity
At the rear, all of the lights are well presented with clear and damage-free lenses
Brightwork rear bumper is in exceptional condition with no blemishing or corrosion to be reported
Paintwork at the rear is also in good shape, with no damage reported
Vinyl top roof is in wonderful condition, no peeling or delamination to be seen anywhere across the roof

The Mechanics

4.2-litre straight-six engine, reported to be in great mechanical condition with no unwelcome noises or vibrations, with a healthy and steady idle producing that well loved grumble we all know from a Jaguar big 6
Automatic transmission, which we’re told remains in lovely condition with smooth gear changes and presents no unusual grinds or knocks and doesn’t have any unwanted hesitation off the line
Brakes are reported to be in great condition stopping the car on a dime, with no influence on the steering under heavy application
Steering remains as good as you would expect, easy to throw around with rewarding feedback
Suspension remains supple and able to swallow up the horrible British roads with ease, providing a lovely experience whether you’re driving or being ferried around in style
Engine bay is excellently presented, with a well polished manifold heat shield and very well done paintwork on surrounding components

Summary

The XJC is a staple in the British marques history, combining performance and luxury into one outstandingly handsome package. As is usually the case, these aren’t all too hard to find in completely rotten conditions, however finding one as well presented as this with a loving owner is a whole different ball game. Proper collectors condition, worthy of anyone's attention.

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:

✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.

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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.

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