1973 Jaguar XJ12 Series 1 V12 SWB

Vendor supplied images

Highlights

One of only 720 SWB RHD V12 Series 1 cars
Significant recent mechanical, suspension and welding work
Recent full service and starts at first turn of key
Gunmetal Grey metallic, blue leather and Webasto roof
Interior veneers fully refurbished in 2022

The Appeal

Starting with a plan to create a four door E-Type, Jaguar created arguably one of the best and most beautiful saloons of the last 50 years. The XJ was a considerable achievement, a car that rode better than a Rolls-Royce and was more characterful than a Mercedes-Benz.

Three years into production Jaguar trumped the competition again with its new V12 engine. Just 720 right hand drive SWB Jaguar XJ12s were built before the Series 2 arrived in 1973 and this example is one of the last – car number 544.

Refinished in Gunmetal Grey metallic, surely one of the best Jaguar colours, it benefits from significant recent investment by the vendor since 2019. What sets good early XJs apart is the quality of their ride and running, so it is encouraging to learn that this extensive work covered the mechanicals and suspension. The interior was also spruced up. It then completed the 500 mile Three Castles Road Rally across North Wales without issue. There are a couple of minor cabin jobs to attend to, but neither are urgent.

Smart, solid and very usable, it is ready to introduce the buyer to the superlative qualities of these magnificent classic British saloons.

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History and Paperwork

First registered in the UK on 2nd May 1973
VIN records show this is car number 544 of the 720 RHD SWB Series 1 V12s
One of only 348 1973 model year XJ12 SWB RHD cars
10 owners from new and owned by vendor twice since 2019
He acquired it in 2019, sold it in 2022 and reacquired it in 2023
Was previously Lavender Blue, which was changed on 26th November 1998
Recently completed a 500 mile classic road rally without issue
Vendor advises that the headlining needs replaced and ideally the front seats refurbished
Significant recent work undertaken by the vendor since 2019 detailed below
Last MOT expired on 25th October 2023 with no advisories on last test
Has covered very few miles since last MOT test

Investment by the vendor since 2019, also recorded in photographs:

Engine out to enable full rebuild of front suspension using OEM parts
Both fuel tanks replaced with new items
Rear subframe removed, renovated and repainted
Differential serviced
Full service in 2019 and then again in 2023
New rear tyres fitted in 2019 with few miles since
Dashboard and door capping veneers refurbished
Dials recalibrated and checked to ensure all work correctly
Further engine work undertaken in 2023
Water pump replaced
Welding to floors

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The Condition

Originally painted Lavender Blue, refinished in popular Gunmetal Grey metallic in 1998
Paintwork finished to high standard and presents in very good order
Bodywork similar no visible corrosion to panels, particularly common XJ12 noteworthy areas
Factory standard car including popular chromed steel rims which are in good order
Lights, glasswork and tyres are well presented and with no issues to report
Structural in good order with no notable issues and no advisories on recent MOT
New OEM V12 fitted – note that some photographs predate its fitment
Good chromework with no visible tarnishing or damage to report
Smart dark blue leather interior with refurbished rear bench and original front seats
Front seats are well kept but could be refurbished to bring up to standard of rest of the car
Headlining removed by vendor so will require replacement, a relatively easy job
Webasto full length sunroof a particularly appealing feature
Retains its early and stylish Series 1 interior including aluminium trim and central auxiliary dials
We are told it is supplied with a period Radiomobile 8 track stereo which works correctly
Carpets and boot trim in good order and factory correct
Veneer door cappings and dashboard unique to Series 1 and refurbished in 2019

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The Mechanics

Early 5,343cc V12 Jaguar engine with quartet of SU carburettors
Three speed automatic gearbox
Extensive work to suspension and mechanicals as detailed above
Photographic record of this work
This will likely ensure that this early Series 1 rides exactly as it should
Which is surely a key part of this sumptuous car’s appeal

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BEFORE YOU BUY

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