Lot 124: Jaguar XJ 4.2C

The XJC was the brainchild of Sir William Lyons and was pushed through, despite the influences of British Leyland. Based on the short wheelbase XJ saloon, the XJC was a beautifully proportioned motor car. The pillarless coupe styling and the graceful lines of the XJ were an excellent combination. With luxurious accommodation for four adults, the package should have been a huge success but the shortcomings of BL made sure that this was not the case. First seen in the early seventies, the XJC was in development in the days of the Series One XJ and there are a couple of S1 examples in private ownership. The production car was not seen until 2004 and after just 4 years, the model, in all its forms, was dropped. Offered here is a 1976 example of the XJ 4.2C but the car could be had in Daimler Sovereign 4.2C, Jaguar XJ 5.3C and Daimler Double-Six Coupe guise. Finished in Greensand with beige leather, the car is said to be in good to excellent condition and has covered just 65200 miles in the hands of three appreciative owners. The first owner kept the car until 1978 but the second owner retained the car for 7 years, until Sep 1985, when it was acquired by the vendor. During the vendors ownership the car has benefited from an engine rebuild at 53,000 miles, the fitting of a stainless steel exhaust and considerable works (over 20 invoices) to keep the car in tip-top condition, including a recent new headlining. The car is rare in that it is equipped with a, Factory Fitted, electric, steel sunroof, which is in excellent working order. It is said to have seen little use in recent times and the retired vendor has decided to sell his pride and joy.