1981 Jaguar XJ12 Series 2 LWB

Highlights

Highly original and very low mileage
Rare V12 and one of the last registered
Recent £20,000 mechanical fettling by specialist
Superb unrestored condition reflecting mileage
Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate confirms authenticity
The vendor tells us that it drives superbly, just like a XJ should
MOT to January 2025 with no advisories

The Appeal

A good XJ12 has a strong claim to being one of the greatest saloon cars ever built. It blends E-Type-infused aesthetics with one of the best ride and handling combinations in four door history. And that’s before you get to the silky-smooth V12.

The Series 2 updated the aesthetics and added more luxury. Just 4,157 Jaguar-branded RHD V12 saloons were built between 1973 and 1978, of which only 456 were in 1976.

That makes this 1976-built XJ12 rare.It is likely one of the last registered too, finally hitting the road in April 1981, well into production of the Series 3. It has been very sparingly used since, clocking up less than 38,000 miles which likely explains the highly preserved condition.

Close to £20,000 was spent in late 2020 recommissioning its mechanicals and suspension by a renowned specialist Southern Classics. With very few miles covered since, it drives superbly. It is a fantastic opportunity to benefit from that work and discover a very good example of arguably one of the very best saloon cars ever built.

The car is MOT exempt by age but usefully carries a ticket to January 2025, giving the buyer further reassurance on the condition.

History and Paperwork

First registered 1st January 1981
Five registered keepers
Current keeper since January 2024
He purchased the car intending to keep it long term but circumstances have changed
Since purchase the car has been carefully dry stored and little used
Jaguar Heritage Certificate verifies the current factory-correct specification
The Certificate also confirms the car was built in November 1966
First registered on 15th April 1981, making it one of the last Series 2 XJ12s road registered
Chassis records show just 4,157 RHD Jaguar-badged Series 2 V12s were built
Of these only 456 were built in 1976
Vast history file including original book set, warranty wallet and registration documents
Workshop manual, British Leyland ‘Passport’ and brochures included
Extensive work in September 2020 detailed in photographed invoice
History includes work by renowned model specialists
Last MOT expired 2nd August 2021 with 37,651 miles showing on test and no advisories
Current MOT runs to 14th January 2025 with no advisories and 37,780 miles on test
£19,305 spent with specialist Southern Classics in September 2020

Southern Classics work included:

Mechanical repairs
Suspension work
Repairs to fuel and cooling system
Steering rack overhaul

The Condition

Factory correct Regency Red over Russett which appears to be highly original
Bodywork is in good order with no visible corrosion, but some light localised marks to note
Straight panels with good fit and no obvious dents, scratches or damage
Paintwork appears to be original and retains good colour depth and condition
Underside in very good order reflecting recent attention and sparing use
Fitted with a vinyl roof in black that suits the period style
Chromework in very good order with no noticeable tarnish
Exterior trim work complete and well kept with additional leaper fitted to bonnet
Chromed steel wheels are factory correct and well kept, showing only light tarnish
Matching spare wheel stowed in boot
Sits on Dunlop tyres appearing to be in good condition with plenty of tread
Usual XJ structural areas to note like arches and sills are very well kept
Interior is magnificent, resplendent in Russett and showing only very light touch of wear
Cabin condition reflects the low mileage and is complete and well presented
The veneers are well kept with only minor, barely visible creasing to dash to note
Fitted with a 1980s era radio cassette system but otherwise interior is fully standard
Interior fittings and trim very well kept with no noticeable scuffs, marks or damage
Boot area is similarly well kept with black carpeting
No structural advisories on current MOT

The Mechanics

5,343cc fuel injected Jaguar V12 engine delivering around 285bhp
3spd automatic gearbox
Extensive maintenance history including nearly £20,000 recently spent
This work covered mechanicals as well the suspension, indicating it will drive well
We are told the car is mechanically sorted and drives very well indeed
That is important as a well sorted XJ12 will drive like a magic carpet and is key to its appeal
No mechanical or running gear advisories on current MOT
No reported driving or running issues

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

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