1977 Jaguar XJ 4.2 Auto

This splendid 1977 XJ-C 4.2 auto is finished in Greensand with a light brown interior and comes with a couple of variations from the factory issue.

Firstly, the brown vinyl roof is non-standard and must presumably have been a replacement item at some unknown date.

Secondly, the car is now wearing chromed wheel-arch ‘eyebrow’ extensions.

It is currently showing 41,963 miles on the odometer, which we can’t verify, but we do know from the MoT trail that the mileage was recorded as being 39,297 in 2006.

So, as you can see, it’s really not been doing much over the last two decades.

At the time of writing, we have no history with this car. We will update the listing if, when and as that changes.

This vehicle presents well from every angle and has lost none of its slinky, curvaceous allure.

The bodywork is pretty straight, true and free of any dents, bumps, dinks or creases of consequence.

The panel gaps and shut lines are perfectly decent and the doors close with certainty and weight.

The chrome-work is free of any foxing, pitting or tarnishing that we can see, although there is a dink in the rear bumper and another in one rear overrider.

There are a few bubbles under the surface of the brown vinyl roof, but to what extent they are benign or otherwise we can’t say.

There is some bubbling in evidence at the top of the driver’s door behind the wing mirror and, to a lesser extent, at the top of the passenger door.

Further bubbling may be found at the top of the n/s/r wing, in the lower section beneath the rear side window on the same side, and at the base of the o/s/r wing just back from the door.

The wheels have survived the passage of time with commendable resilience, and the tyres - Bridgestone at the rear, Pirelli at the front - look to have a decent amount of life left in them.

All lights, lenses, badging and other exterior fixtures and fittings look to be in decent condition.

In short, it’s all pretty good, but with one of two largely cosmetic issues to address.

The interior is really rather impressive and has evidently been well-preserved and cared for over the years.

The tan-coloured leather upholstery has a few light creases - of the attractive, patinated sort - to show for its years of dutiful service.

We found the seats, front and rear, to be comfortable and supportive, although we noted that the driver’s seat is refusing to incline forward and allow access to the rear from that side.

There’s a small, and no doubt removable stain, on the passenger seat.

The door cards are beyond reproach, as are the carpets, mats and headlining.

There are some cracks and splits to the lacquer on the dashboard veneers, and the veneer underneath has faded at the edges in a few places.

The vinyl top-roll and knee-roll around the dashboard are fine, and the dashboard and centre console components are similarly beyond reproach.

All switches, dials, buttons, levers and controls look to be in fine order and, as far as we’re aware, everything does what it’s meant to do when asked.

The engine and engine bay look clean, tidy and ordered, with everything in its right and proper place.

The chassis and underpinnings look to have plenty of integrity, although there is some nascent rust to be seen under the sills in one or two places

Unfortunately we are somewhat light on history, with just the V5 available, along with our HPI report. Should any be found they will be added to the listing.

We do however have a still in the gallery, of it in the 2021 action thriller movie Bell Bottom.

Aside from one or two largely cosmetic issues, this beautiful car is in very decent all-round condition and appears to have all the mechanical and structural integrity to ensure many more years of highly rewarding motoring pleasure.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £15,000 - £18,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.