Lot Ended
Description
17 previous
MOT certificates; 19 service stamps; rare Targa roof configuration; V12
Automatic; showing just 57,251 miles
Offered
for sale is this increasingly rare Jaguar XJ-SC, registration C719 XLN, showing
just 57,251 miles from new and featuring the highly desirable "Princess Diana"
rear seat specification. Unlike the standard XJ-SC arrangement with a rear
luggage platform, this car is fitted with occasional rear seats, a configuration
made famous after Princess Diana requested the modification so that Princes
William and Harry could travel with her while her protection officer occupied
the front passenger seat. The popularity of the arrangement ultimately led
Jaguar to make it available as an optional factory
specification.
The extensive history file
suggests the car spent much of its life in the Nottingham area and was actively
shown at classic car events during its earlier years. Included within the
documentation is an insurance assessment from that period describing the car as
being of a high standard for its type. Evidence within the file also suggests
that one of the previous owners was likely a member of the Jaguar Owners
Club.
Included with the car is an impressive
history file containing 17 previous MOT certificates, 19 service stamps,
numerous invoices and photographs documenting the car throughout its life.
Together, these records demonstrate the care, maintenance and attention the car
has received from its previous custodians and help support the remarkably low
mileage of just 57,251 miles.
At some stage the
car entered long-term storage before being acquired by Classic Motor Cars (CMC)
of Bridgnorth. Their intention was reportedly to undertake a full restoration,
although the project was ultimately not pursued for commercial reasons. My own
aim was instead to return the car to running condition and create a tidy, usable
classic rather than embark on a complete restoration.
Recent work carried out includes the fitting of a replacement torque
converter, installation of a new battery, and replacement of all spark plugs. A
compression test was carried out at the same time, with photographs of the
results included in the accompanying documentation. The leather interior has
also benefited from a thorough deep clean, transforming seats that were
previously heavily soiled and allowing the quality of the original trim to shine
through once again.
With its desirable rear-seat
specification, low mileage, extensive history file and fascinating provenance,
this XJ-SC represents an increasingly rare opportunity to acquire one of
Jaguar's most distinctive and collectable 1980s grand tourers. A charming and
unusual Jaguar that offers excellent potential for further improvement while
remaining a rewarding and usable classic in its current
form.
Contact
james.booth@brightwells.com