1977 Jaguar XJ12-C

The Jaguar XJ Coupé was built between 1975 and 1978 and mostly offered in 4.2-litre, six-cylinder form with over 6,000 built. Much rarer, however, was the top of the line 5.3-litre V12 engined car of which only 1,873 were ever built, and only 329 in 1977. They were priced higher than the four-door car so immediately were relatively exclusive. The profile of these cars with the windows down is so attractive that they have become really sought after, and are consequently hard to find in good condition.

That makes this 1977 XJ-C 5.3 V12 a rare old beast and particularly in this condition having had a bare metal repaint by Nigel Cooper Coachworks of London. Now refinished in its original colour of Squadron Blue with blue leather upholstery, the car comes with the benefit of a huge history file with extensive bills, receipts and photographs and just 83,000 recorded miles. Privately owned and cherished from 1990, it has electric windows, climate control, burr walnut trim, an original Grundig radio and tape deck and the rear disc brakes of the later built cars.

The brakes were rebuilt in 2010, new exhaust manifolds were fitted in 2011 and new brake master cylinders, pads and hoses fitted in 2016. The car has a new MOT and is now ready to be used and enjoyed once more.