1977 Jaguar XJC-12

A fine example of Jaguar's classic coupe with that elegant silhouette

Superbly resprayed by Nigel Cooper Coachworks of London in its original colour of Squadron Blue

Continuously maintained with recent attention to the exhaust manifolds and brakes

Previously owned since 1990, the car was sold by us in 2016, joining a private collection in Germany

Indicating 85,000 miles, it will be presented to auction with a fresh MOT and extensive history file

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. The profile of these coupes with the windows down is so attractive that they have become highly sought after, and are consequently hard to find in good condition.

That makes this 1977 XJ-C 5.3 litre V12 a rare old beast, 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 dark blue leather upholstery, the car comes with the benefit of a huge history file with extensive bills, receipts and photographs. Previously 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.

Bought from us in November 2016, this delightful coupe was purchased by a private collector in Germany, from whom the car is now being offered. Although in excellent condition, our fastidious vendor was to spend some 5,000 euros on inspection and maintenance to the cooling system, four new tyres and numerous other items, as detailed in an extensive invoice from 2017. Repatriated to these shores the car will be presented to auction with the existing German MOT and a fresh UK MOT, on a NOVA with either the former registration or age-related registration number, dependant on the DVLA.