1977 Jaguar XJC

We are delighted to be offering for sale an excellent example of the XJC. Manufactured in 1977 and having covered a modest 75,800 miles since then, under the bonnet sits that famous V12 engine.

Those who follow (ex-EVO magazine) Harry Metcalfe’s widely watched YouTube channel will know that he is a big fan and long-term XJC owner. His own cherished car has recently been extensively restored and amongst the modifications he carried out was to mate the V12 motor to a manual gearbox. The aim was to improve the driveability. He knows his stuff.

Well, the car we are selling has already had a conversion done and boasts a five-speed manual gearbox, from well-known gearbox specialists Getrag.

The car is also fitted with a later engine from an XJS HE with all the accompanying ecu, ignition and injection systems.

Originally all black in colour, a now older restoration has seen the transformation into the marvellous Imperial Maroon that you see before you today.

Our seller acquired the XJC in 2016 and has continued to improve and maintain the car to the very highest of standards, as attested to by recent bills for over £5,000 worth of work.

With an AC Aceca newly purchased, the Jaguar needs to find a new home.

The XJC’s body restoration was carried out by Scott-Moncrieff, renowned Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialists. It was at this time that the colour change was made, the then owner choosing Jaguar Imperial Maroon Metallic (code 714).

Although the work was carried out quite some time ago, the car still presents really well. It is so good that it was entered into the Jaguar Trophy Concours in 2015.

There’s a deep gloss to the paint, though with the passing years there are some small marks and stone chips when you look carefully, not unexpected. They certainly do not spoil the overall effect.

The black vinyl roof was replaced and looks to be in fine fettle. It certainly adds to the period charm of this lovely old car.

Much of the car’s chromework has been replaced and this has been an ongoing task for our seller. He is of the opinion that only the two reversing light units and the offside rear light cluster warrant replacement. In his quest to keep costs down, his philosophy has been to buy new old stock when available at reasonable prices. Therefore, included with the car are two new door handles and gaskets.

The Kent alloy wheels are in fair condition and two have worn edges, so our seller reckons that replacement sometime soon might be a good idea due to their age.

The observant may have noticed that larger and more practical Series 3 remote door mirrors have been fitted.

As part of the restoration process, the interior was retrimmed in beautiful Sand leather. The front seats really are as comfortable as they look with just some gentle creasing due to age. The driver’s pew has a little wear on the offside bolster, from the seat belt rubbing we guess.

Those riding in the rear will also find sumptuous seating and looking at the condition it seems likely that they have been rarely occupied. Seat belts have been fitted.

The headlining has been replaced in a West of England style cloth and this has been done to an excellent standard. Light coloured carpets, with maroon footwell mats up front complete the look.

The sound system has been tweaked, our seller choosing to listen to his music via a USB port fitted to the central armrest.

One of the joys of the XJC is the ability to drop all four windows. It gives the side profile a wonderfully uncluttered look and of course cools the car quickly on a hot summer’s day. Our seller bought new seals for the rear windows. He fitted the one to the driver’s side and it is now such a tight fit that the window itself now needs a helping hand to rise back up. This may improve with use, or some adjustment may be required.

Comprehensive instrumentation is the order of the day, ideal for keeping an eye on the car’s vital functions, amongst other things.

The driving position is imperious with an excellent view out thanks to the wonderfully slim pillars. The spindly steering wheel needs just fingertips to chart a course and the manual gear lever falls easily to hand.

The boot is nicely trimmed and it’s spacious too, ideal for a touring holiday with no need to travel light. Under the floor sits a matching spare wheel, though this is fitted with a mud and snow tyre. Budget for a more suitable replacement.

The beating heart of the car is the glorious V12 engine. As previously mentioned, this is a later HE engine from an XJS and was fitted by renown Jaguar specialist David Marks. Smooth, powerful, refined, it is one of the great engines of all time. With a gentle touch, our seller reckons 23/24mpg is possible on a long run.

The gearbox was fitted by a classic car specialist who provides race support for Martin Stretton racing, using parts supplied by Simply Performance. The clutch is light and the gearchange slick, making this XJC much more the driver’s car than the standard offering.

Supple suspension ensures that the Jag rides well, smoothing out sections of broken tarmac that many of todays cars cannot manage with their low-profile tyres and stiff dampers.

The engine bay itself presents well and is in keeping with the car’s excellent overall condition.

You will find a selection of photographs of the car’s underside in our gallery and other than some road dirt and the merest trace of a little surface corrosion, we are most impressed. A quick clean up and the application of a little underseal may be all that is required.

The maintenance history of this super XJC is well documented from the early 1990s up until today. With time on his hands, our seller added up all the invoices and was somewhat staggered to find they totalled around £68,000! Quite a figure..

The more recent invoices are displayed in the photo montage accompanying this listing.

Most recently the car was consigned to Jaguar classic car specialists CMC in Bridgnorth. Our seller gave them carte blanche to do whatever was necessary.

They completed a full vehicle check and went on to replace many perishable rubber suspension items. They also rebuilt the alternator, fitted new brake pipes and supplied a new battery. Total spend around £5,000.

We should also mention that a new oil cooler and pipework was recently fitted.

Although exempt by age, our seller chose to get the Jag MoTed in May of this year, the car passing with two minor advisories for slight play in the wheel bearings. Most of the old certificates are in the paperwork, confirming the car’s mileage amongst other things.

This must surely be one of the very best XJCs in the UK. Subject to colossal expense over very many years by a number of careful owners, and subtly modified with driving pleasure and usability in mind, all that this car’s lucky new owner should need to do is arrange some insurance and get behind the wheel and have fun.

The XJC is a most usable and desirable classic car and good ones are getting scarcer by the minute. So, if a luxurious, rapid, and desirable classic car is your heart’s desire, we would suggest placing a bid without delay.

We estimate the car will sell for between £25,000 and £35,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment 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, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.