Vendor supplied photos
Highlights
- Early and rare SWB example of the Series I XJ12
- Solid dry-state import for restoration
- UK registered with all NOVA and duties settled
- Complete and structurally appears sound
THE APPEAL
A V12 was always part of the original vision for the Jaguar XJ launch line-up, but a lack of initial budget meant that fans of the stylish saloon had to wait almost four years before the ultimate example appeared.
The high-performance XJ12 was announced in July 1972 alongside the mechanically identical Daimler Double Six, featuring a flatter and less stylised radiator grille, and powered by Jaguar's 5.3-litre V12 engine that had earned its wings thus far in the Series 3 E-Type. It was offered only with GM’s Borg-Warner Model 12 transmission.
At the time of its launch, the XJ12 was the only mass-produced 12-cylinder, four-door car in production and according to Jaguar’s sales literature, was the "fastest full four-seater available in the world".
This one is a dry-state USA car, originally supplied by Jaguar’s import agent in New York to a dealer in the southern states. It’s a project with a big job list attached to it, but is critically solid in all of the important areas.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- Manufactured in April 1973 and dispatched from Browns Lane on May 15
- Supplied to Jaguar Concessionaires in New York and supplied via its dealer network to a dry southern state
- Imported to the UK in 2023
- Full UK V5C just issued – registered as VNP 953L
- NOVA declaration complete and all import duties settled
- Jaguar Heritage Certificate
THE INTERIOR
- Biscuit hide leather seats in poor overall condition – driver’s seat is split and damaged and rear armrest has sun rot. Other seats may be salvageable but there will be trimming work required
- Carpets and roof lining in fair order – most likely resuable
- Door trims and side panels also appear to be retrievable
- Dashboard veneers are faded but wood dash is in generally straight order
- Some small cracks to upper dash top
- Door pulls (not attached) are included
- Original push-button radio
- Electric windows (untested)
- Air conditioning (untested)
- Left-hand-drive
- Will require more or less complete interior overhaul
THE EXTERIOR
- Original Regency Red paint is substantially faded, but areas may be recoverable
- Critically, the car appears to be very solid underneath with no major structural problems
- Original steel sports wheels but centre caps are missing
- Sills and exterior panels in apparently sound order
- Genuine V12 grille
- Side marker lights as per US regulations
- Most chrome and trim is present with some pitting to brightwork
- Centre part of rear bumper is absent
THE MECHANICS
- 5.3-litre V12
- Appears complete
- Will need new fuel tank
- Three-speed Borg Warner auto
- Currently a non-runner – the engine turns and is not seized so the mechanical condition is unknown
- Potential buyers should assume a comprehensive mechanical overhaul may be required
SUMMARY
There are two ways to look at this car. The first is as a great source of panels and parts, as well as a V12 engine. The second, and more exciting, is as a project car to return to its former glory, and being a rare short-wheelbase in apparently solid order there’s a lot of potential here. A lot of work, too, but the great thing is that none of it appears to be structural. It’s no weekend project, but it’s not a basket case either…
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