1976 Jaguar XJC V12 Coupe

This ‘Lavender Blue’ car is in what appears to be very good original, authentic condition and, according to the odometer, has covered just 52,726 miles in nearly half a century of life.

It has retained its original chassis, engine, gear box and rear axle.

From 1978 to 2013 the car was in the same family ownership and spent its time being pampered and thoroughly well cared-for in and around West Wales. 

The car was maintained and serviced by Jaguar dealer Meirion Jones of Cardigan until 1992, after which time it was pretty much laid-up and in semi-retirement until 2000, when another family member took up the reins and carried on with this wonderful car’s careful and considered curation.

It was sold to its penultimate owner in 2013, and it was he who attended to some of the car’s more obvious upgrades and refreshments, including, we believe the application of some fresh coats of ‘Lavender Blue’ paint.

During this period the car was fitted with new injectors and ceramic-coated fuel rails, had the original rear axle refurbished, acquired new brakes and welcomed a replacement headlining.

The current vendor has had little work to do other than continuing its long history of being dry-stored and properly looked-after.

The proportions of these cars are just right.

It is a fairly sizeable car but its two-door form and pillarlessness make it seem appealingly compact and sporty.

The bodywork on this example is in fine condition, and all panel gaps and shut-lines are crisp, consistent and even.

The wheels are shiny, bright and seemingly untroubled by encounters with kerbs or other obstacles. The tyres look to have plenty of life left in them.

The lights, lenses, badging, trim and other exterior fixtures and fittings all appear to be in fine fettle.

The black vinyl roof looks to be in fine fettle, too, as does the car’s chrome-work. 

There are a few cracks in the paint around the driver’s door handle, some light, swirly scratches on the bonnet and, also on the bonnet, a couple of patches of rather flat-looking paint and, on the inside edges, some over-spray and paint runs.

We spotted a few micro-blisters on the n/s/f wing and, to our eye, some of the exterior rubber trim is starting to look a bit long-in-the-tooth.

The good news continues without dilution or deviation on the inside.

The dark blue leather seats are in the sort of condition you’d expect to find in a car with such a low number on the odometer. 

They are notably comfortable and supportive, and there are barely any creases to show for the car’s 48 years of life, let alone any ingrained patina. 

The headlining, being relatively new, is in irreproachable condition. 

The carpets and mats are decent, as are the door cards, although we noticed that the pull handle on the driver’s door is currently wrapped in what looks like black electrical tape.

The controls, instruments and dials seem to be in very good order and, even though we didn’t flick every switch or press every button, those we did flick and press responded faithfully. 

The wood veneers on the dashboard are reasonable, but some of the lacquer is starting to lift on the glove compartment cover. 

We spotted a bit of loose trim on the right-hand side of the driver’s footwell.

The boot is following the same script in terms of condition. 

The engine bay is pretty clean, shiny, dry and tidy. 

Everything appears to be in its right and proper place.

The undersides of the car look to have a good deal of structural integrity and seem to us to be uncompromised by time, weather or use. 

This car comes with various bills and invoices covering earlier work carried out. 

There are also plenty of old MoT certificates, some letters attesting to the car’s authenticity and provenance, a V5C and a recent, clear HPI report. 

These fabulous cars just ooze the traditional Jaguar DNA of grace, space and pace from every pore.

That they get better looking with the passing of the years is a testament to the fundamental ‘rightness’ of the pillarless design.

This one ticks all the right boxes for condition, provenance, mileage and overall soundness. 

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £23,000 - £28,000.

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