1977 Jaguar XJ Coupé

The Jaguar XJCoupé was based on the short wheelbase version of the XJ and offered in 4.2 and 5.3-litre engine sizes. In 1977 just 1,776 Jaguar XJ12 4.2 Coupés and 329 5.3 V12s were built by the factory making these coupés quite rare today.

First registered in August 1977, this original UK right-hand drive, XJ Coupé was purchased by our vendor in 2015 from its previous owner who had enjoyed the car for 11 years. His intention was to totally restore this unusual Jaguar and he had a clear idea of how he wanted it to look when it was finished. The process took almost two years and was only just completed prior to our auction.

Originally a 4.2 litre, 6-cylinder example, this XJ had been converted to a V12 with four SU carburettors at some point in the past, which our vendor believes may have been about 20 years ago.

The restoration began with a total 100% strip back to a bare shell. Not a single bolt or piece of trim remained on the car (as can be seen from our photographs) and the shell was repaired where necessary and primed and rubbed down and primed again until it was ready to start taking the first of a dozen coats of paint. It was then finished in a lovely shade of Tyrolean Green. All the external chrome work has been re-plated to complement the new coat of paint. The car was then built up in the only way you can, by running brake pipes, the wiring loom, and fitting all the components that attach to the bulkhead first, and generally assembling the whole car as it would have been done at Jaguar.

The running gear, suspension, steering and brake systems were dismantled and reconditioned or replaced with new items where necessary. Similarly the V12 engine and gearbox have been partly dismantled checked and reconditioned and rebuilt as required.

Naturally the interior has been completely reinstated and the splendid net result can only be fully appreciated by sitting in it. A three-spoke wood rim wheel, a new 'Everflex' roof and chrome, 60-spoke, wire wheels complete the presentation of this unique V12 Jaguar XJ.

The odometer currently reads a shade under 65,000 miles (not warranted) and this stunning Jaguar is accompanied by a partial history file documenting some of its past life, along with lots of invoices relating to the restoration. Another project forces our vendor to offer this car for sale at a fraction of its cost to him, and having seen little use since its completion.

The XJC is fast becoming one of Jaguars most collectable saloons. With Silverstone Auctions having sold restored V12 examples for record sums in 2016, this example represents an excellent choice for any classic car enthusiast who is in the market for something a little different.