1977 Jaguar XJC

Produced in very low volumes and built between 1975 and 1978, XJ Coupe production reached a mere 6,505 cars. The 2-door XJ Coupes, with a pillarless hardtop body called the XJ-C, were built at Jaguar's Browns Lane factory. The car was actually launched at the London Motor Show in October 1973, but it subsequently became clear that it was not ready for production - it was reported that problems with window sealing delayed production. XJ Coupés finally started to emerge from Jaguar showrooms some two years later to widespread delight.

The Coupé was based on the short-wheelbase version of the XJ. Both six and twelve-cylinder models were offered, 6,505 of the former and 1,873 of the latter. Both the door and side windows could be wound down, resulting in a most attractive pillar-less look. However, the prohibitive expense of getting its two-door bodyshell to meet United States safety regulations meant that the Coupé version never went on sale in the USA. Consequently, the model is one of the rarest of the XJ family with production ending in 1977.

The car offered today is a superb example in the best colour scheme of Old English White paintwork with a Navy Blue velour interior. It has been the property of only a handful of owners, two of which were father and son and they have held the car between them from April 1982 to February 2010. There are thirteen MoT's in the history file from 41,051 miles in 1984 to 52,000 miles as shown today. In that time, the car has accrued a host of invoices, some notable ones from JD Classics in Maldon.

Ultimately, this is a handsome car presented in excellent order throughout. Both the paint and the chrome are in exemplary condition, and the interior still looks new. Mechanically the car is reported to run and drive faultlessly with the automatic transmission delivering smooth and precise gear changes. This Lot is offered for sale with a fresh MoT test certificate.

These are increasingly sought-after motorcars and Silverstone Auctions are proud to have had recent success with other examples of its type, one of which securing £19,800 making "UYR 447S' incredibly good value today...