1974 JAGUAR XJ12L SALOON Registration Number: VPG 33M      ...

Estimate

£19,000 - £22,000

1974 JAGUAR XJ12L SALOON

Registration Number: VPG 33M          
Chassis Number: 2R.2342BW
Recorded Mileage: c. 28,500 miles 

- Genuine low-mileage example
- Finished in a very stylish and discreet colour scheme

The 1968 Jaguar XJ Series I made its debut just prior to the London Motor Show on September 26 of 1968. It was advertised as Jaguar’s best saloon car, embodying sportiness, comfort, performance and style. The final version presented to the world featured a base model with a 2.8 litre engine, or the 4.2 litre engine with twin carbs, which was moderately priced for its class and generated 245bhp, accelerating from 0-60 in 9 seconds, and with a top speed of 124mph. It was available with a four-speed manual gearbox or an automatic. The new XJ6 won “Car of the Year” in Britain, but was not considered for the European distinction overall. These models cleared production lines and didn’t spend much time on showroom floors as their popularity soared.

It had always been Jaguar's intention that its flagship saloon would accommodate the new all-alloy V12 engine that had debuted in the E-Type, and the resulting XJ12 duly appeared in July 1972. With a top speed of over 135mph courtesy of the 5.3-litre V12, the newcomer combined high performance with a level of luxury unmatched by many less-accommodating Grand Tourers costing several times as much. A longer wheelbase version was introduced in August 1972, becoming the standard bodyshell when the model was up-graded to Series II specification the following year, while the 'Sovereign' version took its name from the range-topping Daimler variant and came with just about every conceivable optional extra incorporated as standard. A truly magnificent car, the original XJ12 bowed out in Pininfarina-styled Series III guise in 1992.

Originally delivered by dealer John Coombs Garage of Guildford in September of 1974, this simply outstanding early carburettored car really does tick all the boxes in our view; 28,500 miles recorded and documented miles from new, in beautiful condition, and finished in an extremely stylish colour combination of Jaguar British Racing Green with a complementing Deep Olive leather interior.

Previously owned by well-known specialist Eagle Racing, the XJ is completely unmodified and always garaged when not in use. The coachwork is straight with excellent shutlines, no obvious dents or dings, the paint finish impressive bar the odd stone chip, and the chrome trim in excellent order throughout. Inside the leather seats show a light patina which really adds to the car’s charm, and the door panels and carpeting are similarly in very good order. The Jaguar starts and runs very well, having just taken our vendor over 200 miles in great comfort and refinement, belying the age of the vehicle. 

Accompanying the Jaguar is a comprehensive history file containing the original ‘Passport to Service’ service and instruction books in their correct tan plastic wallet, several older MoT certificates to confirm the mileage, period Service Reports from Coombs and other Jaguar dealers Julians and Lancaster, and a copy of the car’s entry into the Jaguar Driver’s Club 1991 Concours.

Jaguar XJ models of the 1970s are not difficult to locate in the UK classic car market, but genuine low mileage examples of this quality are a rare commodity. We would suggest you to go and view the others, and then come and buy this low mileage beauty.