1973 Jaguar XJ12L

This XJ12 is a Series 1 long wheelbase car, featuring the V12 engine brought in late into the Series 1 production run to provide a higher performing model compared with the six cylinder XJ6. 

The quad-carburettor fed V12 is a wonderful engine to enjoy, and will happily encourage you to drain both fuel tanks in a rapid manner. That said, on a motorway these cars can happily return fuel economy in the mid-teens, so they may not be as ruinous to run as you might have been led to believe.

The car is showing a mileage of just 40,000, and although we cannot verify that this is the total mileage covered from new, there are MoT certificates going back as far as 1981, which point to this figure being the total mileage.

The exterior of the car presents well, and while white may not be the first choice for many people, it does contrast beautifully with the blue interior. There is little to see in the way of bodywork damage or corrosion, although there is a minor paint mark on the offside rear wheelarch, and the driver’s door fit looks as though it could do with a little adjustment.

There are some surface rust spots on the bootlid near the numberplate but the brightwork is in generally good condition, with only the rear bumper and front passenger door handle showing signs of pitting.

The interior of the car is also in generally good condition, with the blue seats and door cards providing a pleasant change from the black or tan that we are so used to now. However, the driver’s seat is quite worn, compared with the rest of the leather.

There is also some minor damage to the vinyl covering the driver’s interior door handle, and the seller is trying to find a colour matched material to repair it. The headlining looks to be in good shape.

The woodwork has lost some of its sheen, and the lacquer has crazing, although the overall effect isn’t entirely unpleasant, and in some ways just adds to the car’s historic feel.

Under the elegant bonnet of the XJ12 lies the 5.3-litre OHC V12 engine, a powerplant that not only delivered smooth and refined power but also established the car as a true driver's machine. 

The engine's performance is complemented by the XJ12's independent rear suspension, a technological marvel at the time, setting the stage for the car's world-class ride and handling.

The engine bay itself is quite scruffy, and would benefit from a cosmetic overhaul, but the engine runs smoothly with no excess smoke from the two exhausts. 

This car has four Stromberg carburettors feeding the V12, which has a single overhead camshaft per bank. This was the world’s first, and at the time, only mass-produced V12 engine. There have been many cars with such a configuration, but all of them were specialist manufacturers producing hugely expensive super cars. Jaguar literally brought the V12 to the masses.

It's a much more modern powerplant than the famous XK six cylinder unit, with all alloy construction, although it ended up making do with a single camshaft on each bank after plans for a quad cam version were scrapped due to cost restraints.

The car’s underside appears solid with no obvious rust damage. The exhaust manifolds look to have been covered with high temperature wrap, a good idea that helps keep engine bay temperatures down. 

The car comes with a history file that includes MoTs from 1981, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1997, 2011, 2015, and 2021. While these MoTs are not enough to conclusively prove that the car’s mileage of under 40,000 miles is genuine, the seller believes it is likely. 

The history file also contains a variety of old receipts and invoices, along with the parts invoices for the work that has been completed during the car’s time with the vendor. He says:

‘Similarly to the other XJ12s currently in our care, we have sought to improve this car mechanically. This has included a full service, four new tyres supplied by Blockley, replacement thermostats, a differential pinion oil seal, replacement hand brake pads, a new propshaft mount, a replacement gearbox oil seal, replacement inlet and exhaust manifold gaskets, cam cover gaskets, a core plug and a new header tank. 

‘The V12 engine in this car runs and revs particularly sweetly and eagerly, and is a pleasure to drive. We hope that the new owner puts many more miles on it, as these cars really are built to be enjoyed.’

For enthusiasts seeking a classic car that embodies the spirit of a bygone era while still delivering a driving experience that stands the test of time, this XJ12 presents a compelling proposition. It represents the pinnacle of Jaguar's commitment to luxury and performance. 

Maintaining an XJ12 is also more feasible than some of its more exotic counterparts. The availability of spare parts and a community of passionate enthusiasts ensures that these classics can be preserved and enjoyed for generations to come.

The refined styling, advanced suspension, timeless design and that superb V12 engine make it a standout classic that attracts attention wherever it goes.

We are happy to offer this vehicle for auction with an estimate in the range of £12,000 - £16,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.