Highlights
- Highly original and very low mileage
- Rare V12 and one of the last registered
- Recent £20,000 mechanical fettling by specialist
- Superb unrestored condition reflecting mileage
- Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate confirms authenticity
- The vendor tells us that it drives superbly, just like a XJ should
- Will be sold with a fresh 12 months MOT with no advisories
The Appeal
Jaguar’s original XJ was a remarkable achievement. Conceived as a four door E-Type it was so good that it alarmed that bastion of upmarket saloon cars, Mercedes-Benz. When the firm belatedly added the V12 and a LWB option the fight was truly on.
The Series 2 updated the aesthetics and added more luxury. Just 4,157 Jaguar-branded RHD V12 saloons were built between 1973 and 1978, of which only 456 were in 1976.
That makes this 1976-built XJ12 rare.It is likely one of the last registered too, finally hitting the road in April 1981, well into production of the Series 3. It has been very sparingly used since, clocking up less than 38,000 miles which likely explains the highly preserved condition.
Close to £20,000 was spent in late 2020 recommissioning its mechanicals and suspension by a renowned specialist Southern Classics. With less than 150 miles covered since it drives superbly. It is a fantastic opportunity to benefit from that work and discover a very good example of arguably one of the very best saloon cars ever built. For added reassurance it will be sold with a fresh 12 months advisory-free MOT.
History and Paperwork
- Jaguar Heritage Certificate verifies the current factory-correct specification
- The Certificate also confirms the car was built in November 1976 and despatched in February 1977
- First registered on 15th April 1981, making it one of the last Series 2 XJ12s road registered
- Chassis records show just 4,157 RHD Jaguar-badged Series 2 V12s were built
- Of these only 456 were built in 1976
- Vast history file including original book set, warranty wallet and registration documents
- Workshop manual, British Leyland ‘Passport’ and brochures included
- Extensive work in September 2020 detailed in photographed invoice
- History includes work by renowned model specialists
- Last MOT expired 2nd August 2021 with 37,651 miles showing on test and no advisories
- Will be sold with fresh 12 months MOT with no advisories
£19,305 spent with specialist Southern Classics in September 2020, including:
- Mechanical repairs
- Suspension work
- Repairs to fuel and cooling system
- Steering rack overhaul
The Condition
- Factory correct Regency Red over Russett which appears to be highly original
- Bodywork is in good order with no visible corrosion, but some light localised marks to note
- Straight panels with good fit and no obvious dents, scratches or damage
- Paintwork appears to be original and retains good colour depth and condition
- Underside in very good order reflecting recent attention and sparing use
- Fitted with a vinyl roof in black that suits the period style
- Chromework in very good order with no noticeable tarnish
- Exterior trim work complete and well kept with additional leaper fitted to bonnet
- Chromed steel wheels are factory correct and well kept, showing only light tarnish
- Matching spare wheel stowed in boot
- Sits on Dunlop tyres appearing to be in good condition with plenty of tread
- Usual XJ structural areas to note like arches and sills are very well kept
- Interior is magnificent, resplendent in Russett and showing only very light touch of wear
- Cabin condition reflects the low mileage and is complete and well presented
- The veneers are well kept with only minor, barely visible creasing to dash to note
- Fitted with a 1980s era radio cassette system but otherwise interior is fully standard
- Interior fittings and trim very well kept with no noticeable scuffs, marks or damage
- Boot area is similarly well kept with black carpeting
The Mechanics
- 5,343cc fuel injected Jaguar V12 engine delivering around 285bhp
- 3spd automatic gearbox
- Extensive maintenance history including nearly £20,000 recently spent
- This work covered mechanicals as well the suspension, indicating it will drive well
- We are told the car is mechanically sorted and drives very well indeed
- That is important as a well sorted XJ12 will drive like a magic carpet and is key to its appeal
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.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ 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.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
