Highlights

Originally an experimental prototype (Project ZX 18/29/1)
Believed to be one of the earliest XJ12 Coupes ever built (chassis number 2G50001)
Rare factory-converted right-hand drive example
Former Jaguar company car for Mr R E Berry
Comprehensive history spanning South Africa and Australia
Registered in Germany

The Appeal

The Jaguar XJ12C is one of the rarest, most irrevocably grand grand tourers of the 1970s, with fewer than 1,000 V12-powered examples produced during its short production run from 1975 to 1977. This particular example, however, is truly extraordinary - a 1973 pre-production prototype with chassis number 2G50001, which would appear to identify it as one of the, if not the very first of the XJ Coupés. Originally manufactured as an experimental car (Project ZX 18/29/1) in left-hand drive, it was later converted to right-hand drive at the factory and became a company car for Mr R.E. Berry.

This XJ12C features its original engine and transmission, with matching numbers throughout. Its fascinating history spans continents, having spent time in South Africa until 1977, then Australia for nearly 40 years before coming to Germany. Presented in a striking Fern Grey livery with a Moose Green interior, this pre-production Jaguar is a quintessentially 70s piece of work - and we'd say a particularly fine, handsome opportunity.

Beautifully kept and very nicely finished, this handsome, vanishingly rare pre-production car is a real unicorn. We think it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and we'd recommend you not let it pass you by!

IMG_9512 Jan Philipp.jpeg 3.94 MB

History and Paperwork

Originally built in early 1973 as an experimental car (Project ZX 18/29/1)
Built as left-hand drive, then factory-converted to right-hand drive
Delivered on 21/03/1974 and became a company car for Mr R.E. Berry
It is the first car built (VIN number one)
Used in South Africa until 1977, then sold to Melbourne, Australia
Owned by Dr S. Chan in Australia for 22 years (1993-2015)
Sold in Perth to Jan P. and Tim K. in 2015
Currently located in Hamburg, Germany, with historic plates
Comes with two folders containing documents, invoices and paperwork
Jaguar Heritage Certificate confirming its unique provenance
Matching chassis, body, engine, and transmission numbers
Includes a dashboard for possible LHD conversion, plus window regulators and rear windows from a standard production vehicle
Axles and steering are not as on the first day, but in good condition after 30 years since restoration as a driven collector car

IMG_4074 Jan Philipp.jpeg 4.38 MB

The Condition

Quintessentially 70s Fern Grey colour scheme however there is a tint of green, matched up with a handsome Moose Green cabin
Presents well overall after almost 30 years
Partially repainted in Australia with synthetic resin lacquer to maintain originality
Minimal paintwork irregularities, which are far from intrusive
Brightwork contrasts nicely
Contrast vinyl roof in good order
Wheelset appears in fine fettle
Interior appears in smart condition with plenty of originality
Seats are well-presented with no obvious rips or tears
Instruments are clean and legible
Ventilation grilles on the dashboard are slightly loose
Rear window regulators are very stiff, which is known to be typical of pre-production models

IMG_9491 Jan Philipp.jpeg 2.85 MB

The Mechanics

5.3-litre V12 engine
Three-speed automatic transmission
Engine bay appears in handsome order
Believed to be factory-standard
Original engine and transmission with matching numbers
Engine reportedly starts well both warm and cold
Axles and steering are reported to be in good condition but showing some age-appropriate wear
All restoration and maintenance work has prioritised keeping the car original
Entire locking system has been kept uniform (one key)
Currently used in good weather conditions but regularly

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:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own 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.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

Comments

Andrew••••

1 day ago

You state there is a lot of paperwork that comes with the car, can the mileage not be verified by the history and paperwork ?

Ja••••

Seller

The car originates from England and has travelled to South Africa, to Australia, and then back to Europe. Based on the numerous invoices and inspection reports, as I noted, one could surmise that the mileage up to 2015 is correct. Of course, that isn’t 100% certain. Since 2015 it has been in my possession, and from then on I can say it with 100% certainty.

Translated from: Deutsch

arlingt••••

Good morning could you confirm if the mileage is documented ?

The mileage seams to be correct, but as I own the car just since 2015, I only can confirm what happened since than.

5r8gtkb••••

Hi, as I do not own the car from the first day, I just can confirm that the mileage is real since 2015. But when I bought it, I was sure the mileage is real. Regards Jan