1976 Jaguar XJ12 5.3 Coupe
The Jaguar XJ is a series of full-size luxury cars produced by British automobile manufacturer Jaguar Cars (becoming Jaguar Land Rover in 2013) from 1968 to 2019. It was produced across five basic platform generations (debuting in 1968, 1986, 1994, 2003 and 2009) with various updated derivatives of each. From 1970 it was Jaguar’s flagship four door model. The original model was the last Jaguar saloon to have had the input of Sir William Lyons, the company’s founder, and the model has been featured in countless media and high-profile appearances.
A 9,378 car production run of two-door XJ coupés with a pillarless hardtop body called the XJ-C was built between 1975 and 1978. The car was originally shown at the London Motor Show in October 1973, but it subsequently became clear that it was not ready for production, and the economic troubles unfolding in the western world at that time seemed to have reduced any sense of urgency about producing and selling the cars. After reports of problems with window sealing delaying production, XJ coupés finally started to emerge from Jaguar showrooms some two years later. The coupé was based on the short-wheelbase version of the XJ.
Although the factory never produced a drophead coupé, a very few XJ12 coupés were modified into dropheads by Lynx Cars and Avon. The coupé used Jaguar’s short-wheelbase chassis and it had larger front doors and a different roofline than the saloon, resulting in the coupé being the platform of choice for the drophead conversions.
An exceptional example of the rare and beautiful XJ Coupe featuring the great fuel injected V12 engine. This UK supplied example, finished in Squadron Blue with tan leather. Its 5.3 litre engine is a naturally aspirated, single overhead camshaft, 12 cylinder unit that develops 285 bhp (289 PS/213 kW) of power at 5750 rpm, and maximum torque of 399 N·m (294 lb·ft/40.7 kgm) at 3500 rpm. The engine transmits power to the wheels compliments of a 3 speed automatic gearbox.
The Interior is original, seats, dash, carpets and door cards showing patina, correct for the age.
It surely now represents a rare chance to enjoy a bit of Jaguar history within a reasonable price range, in true comfort and style, with the reassuring knowledge that your monies have been well invested.
