1976 Jaguar XJC

Finished in British Racing Green with a cream leather interior, this iconic Jaguar XJ-C is fitted with the 4.2-litre engine and a manual gearbox – and it’s a genuine, factory built manual and not one of the more common aftermarket conversions.

Wonderfully menacing, its pillarless windows and two-door silhouette mark this out as something very special. Steel wheels for the win too, plus that very of-the-period black vinyl roof. Throw in a splash of chrome here and there and it all adds up to one of the most elegant coupés of its generation.

Restored by the XJC’s previous owner, it’s been resprayed and beautifully retrimmed, leaving it in the stunning condition you see here.

Only for sale because the seller has got too many projects on the go, we’d urge potential bidders to make an appointment to pop along and see for themselves because opportunities like this are few and far between.

Originally yellow, we can’t help but think that the respray in British Racing Green around four or five years ago suits the coupé’s elegant lines much better than the factory hue.

Of course, the colour means nothing if the underlying coachwork isn’t good, but there are no such fears here as it presents very well indeed.

The discreet pinstripe that runs along the car’s flanks would highlight any ripples or misalignment, and the (very good chromework) would emphasize any bodgery in refitting the car after its paintwork.

As you can see, there are no such issues – and the clues as to why it still looks so good are there if you look hard enough. Clues like the Ziebart sticker in the rear window and the yellow plugs that are dotted around the car hint at professional rust-proofing during its early years.

And a Jaguar Enthusiasts Club sticker hints at an enthusiast owner during its later ones (it was displayed NEBPT's Historic Vehicle Display at Seaburn, Sunderland on the 31st of August 2009, for instance).

Not conclusive, of course, but indicative.

The XJ-C really doesn’t need much doing to it. Sure, there are some stonechips and minor marks but if you set those aside as the cost of actually driving a classic rather than keeping it mothballed, the only thing that stands out is a mark on the boot lid (#95) plus some general untidiness to the finish (#242) and a scabby area on the rear nearside window rubber (#131).

A wood-rimmed Mota-Lita steering wheel sets the tone for the cabin, which is sporting and luxurious in equal measure.

Very nicely retrimmed, whoever did the work made a fine job of it, didn’t they? The seats are plump and supportive, and the door cards and transmission tunnel have been trimmed to match. It even still smells new.

The headlining is taut and clean, and the green carpets, which are protected by cream overmats, are very good.

The wooden veneer trim is glorious, and the dashboard presents wonderfully with tidy instrumentation and good switchgear. There’s good chrome inside too, and a pleasing consistency to the finish throughout.

There are some lovely flourishes like the vanity mirror inside the glovebox, an abundance of chrome ashtrays, and a radio surround that incorporates the controls for the heating system.

We can’t see that anything needs doing inside but why not make an appointment to pop along and judge for yourself?

NB: The original steering wheel comes with the car.

As you can see, it starts well and shows good oil pressure.

We’ve been told that the overdrive has been rebuilt, and that it’s been fitted with a stainless-steel exhaust and an electronic ignition system. It’s had a new brake master cylinder fitted only last month, too.

It’s been serviced and the owner reports that “this is all I have done with the car as it has been extremely reliable and never let me down. The brakes and steering are good, and it runs and drives lovely.”

The seller tells us that the previous owner fitted a new clutch kit three years ago.

He is also honest enough to report: “it has developed a slight tap from the top of the engine, possibly a tappet due to lack of use. Also, the problematic AED unit (choke) was removed by the previous owner. I have never replaced it as it has never caused any problems.” The horn has also stopped working.

The engine bay’s cosmetics are the XJ-C’s weakest area, largely because everything else is so good.

The underside is well protected by a thick coat of underseal but this is starting to flake off in places so will need touching up.

The Jaguar’s MoT certificate, which is valid until March 2023, was gained, just like last year’s, without a single advisory. We love it when owners go to the trouble and expense of putting a MoT on a car that’s exempt as we think it says only good things about their approach to maintenance and safety.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear but, sadly, like so many classics, that’s the extent of the paper trail.

The online MoT history suggests it may have been off the road between 2008 and its test in March 2021, which might explain why the paperwork has gone missing.

No manufacturer balances performance and luxury better than Jaguar, and while we yield to no-one in our admiration for the XJ saloons, even we have to admit that the coupé takes an already very desirable car and dials the want all the way up to 11.

The trouble is, decades of undesirability mean that many have been abused and neglected, making good ones extraordinarily hard to find.

But, they’re worth seeking out because a good one is a wonderful car - and not that expensive.

We think this one will sell for somewhere between £20,000 and £25,000 – and that’s for a genuine right-hand-drive factory manual, which makes it even more of a bargain.

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’.