Highlights

Verified pre-production model, chassi
Originally company car of Andy Whyte, Jaguar's marketing director
Factory correct white over blue colour scheme
Very rare MOD car with 4.2L XK engine
Over £15,000 spent on recent maintenance and restoration
Engine rebuild completed in February 2025

The Appeal

Jaguar’s XJC was a proper labour love. Its development was driven by Sir WIlliam Lyons and was the last project he was directly involved in. There was no obvious requirement for it - Jaguar already had the XJS in development - but Lyons had a single-minded vision for a pillarless GT based on his beautiful XJ saloon.

The project wasn’t without its problems. Getting the pillarless window design right was a particular cause of delays. This car played a role in all that because it is chassis number five - a genuine pre-production car that was Jaguar Marketing Director Andy Whyte’s personal company car when new.

He picked a compelling specification. The car is fitted with the torquey 4.2L XK motor allied to the ultra-rare 4spd manual gearbox with overdrive. Dialling up the exclusivity is the Old English White paint scheme - just 163 4.2L XJCs left the factory with that paintwork.

This car returned to the UK in 2021 whereupon a comprehensive £15,000 restoration began that covered the mechanicals, running gear and bodywork. More recently, the engine was rebuilt in February 2025 by a well-regarded classic Jaguar specialist.

With its black vinyl roof and lovely dark blue pre-production interior - complete with air conditioning - this car presents well with a light patina to the paintwork. It is a fantastic, perhaps unique opportunity to acquire a historically significant example of one of Jaguar’s most beautiful cars.

XJC 4.2 White-0056 Craig Thompson.jpg 8.71 MB

The History and Paperwork

First registered in 1975 according to seller
XJC production began in December 1974
This car is confirmed as chassis number five
Letter from Jaguar dated 1991 confirms factory specification
Registered in the UK in December 2021
One registered keeper since returning to the UK
DVLA records first registration as 2nd August 1973
Registered in the UK on plate RCH899M
Showing 25,553kms in photographs
We cannot confirm the mileage due to the five digit odometer
Former company car of Andy Whyte, Jaguar's former marketing director
Recent service invoices available, including a February 2025 engine rebuild
History folder includes photos of an earlier rebuild by the previous owner
Over £15,000 spent on the car in 2022 covering paintwork, mechanicals and running gear as shown
Engine rebuild by Jaguar specialist in February 2025 costing £5,230

XJC 4.2 White-0063 Craig Thompson.jpg 6.05 MB

The Condition

Car retains its original factory colour scheme of white with blue leather interior
Rare Old English White paintwork in fair condition for age with some points to note
Paintwork is even and consistent in cover with some localised damage to note
This includes the rear boot area and edges of front nearside arch
Bodywork is very presentable and generally solid with vendor stating ‘no rust’
There is a small dent to note to rear quarter
Fitted with black factory vinyl roof in good general condition
Chromed steel wheels in good order with tyres showing good remaining tread
Exterior chromework generally in good order with some light tarnish to certain elements as shown in photos
Lights and glasswork in good order appearing undamaged and unmisted
Pre-production interior with certain unique features that aficionados can spot in photos
Dark blue leather interior with pre-production seats with close stitched pleated seats
Leather is well kept with a light patina typical of an older well kept classic car
Dashboard, veneers, door cards and carpets all well kept and retain pre-production features
Pre-production switchgear and console with dials for Diavia Arlia air conditioning system
Period radio, original two-spoke wheel and other cabin details add to the appeal
No reported issues with underside or structure
Recent bodywork renovations detailed above and in history photos by Jaguar specialist

XJC 4.2 White-0083 Craig Thompson.jpg 7.16 MB

The Mechanics

4,235cc XK straight six engine rebuilt by marque specialist in February 2025
Engine work is so recent that car will likely require some running in
Very rare 4spd overdrive ‘MOD’ gearbox
Mechanicals checked over in February 2025 by specialist during engine rebuild
Earlier refurbishment work to mechanicals and running gear as part of £15,000 2022 work
Car is said to run and drive very well after restoration and engine rebuild
No reported running or driving issues

XJC 4.2 White-0108 Craig Thompson.jpg 7.17 MB

BEFORE YOU BUY

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