Lot details Registration No: YYK 363 Chassis No: 2J-3213BW Mot Expiry: Aug 2011
Jaguar's original XJ Saloon (retrospectively dubbed the Series 1) and its Daimler counterparts were introduced in 1968 and were the last models to bear the personal input of Jaguar's founder, Sir William Lyons. The striking two-door Pillarless Coupe derivative was first shown five years later, at the 1973 London Motor Show. Production was heavily delayed, however, and did not get fully underway until 1975. The newcomer was based on the short wheelbase Saloon and featured suitably lengthened versions of the standard car's doors. All examples left the factory with a vinyl covered roof, though these have subsequently been removed from some of the surviving cars. There were two engine options - a 4.2-litre version of the ubiquitous DOHC XK unit and the 5.3-litre V12 unit. The smaller-engined version came with the choice of manual or automatic gearbox - initially the Borg Warner Model 12, but later the much-vaunted GM Model 400 Hydramatic unit. The silky smooth suspension was independent all round with wishbones and coil springs at the front and wishbones, radius arms and coil springs at the rear. Braking was by discs at each corner and steering by rack and pinion. A total of 10,426 Jaguar and Daimler Coupes were produced before production ceased in 1978 - 8,214 sported the 4.2-litre engine.
The eye-catching right-hand drive example offered is a 1977 model finished in Red with a Black leather interior. It is equipped with automatic transmission and retains its Black Everflex vinyl roof. The vendor informs us that 'YYK 363' benefited from an extensive 'nut and bolt' restoration in 2007, which included new floors, rechroming of the brightwork, refurbishing of the alloy wheels etc. Evidently the Jaguar has seen little use since, though the file contains bills for some £8,000 of maintenance, courtesy of Chelsea Workshop. The vendor currently rates the bodywork, paintwork, engine and transmission as "Condition 1" and the interior trim as "good". He also considers the indicated mileage of 79,089 (backed by a full set of MOTs) to be genuine. The big cat now requires a new home and is being sold complete with bonnet 'leaper'. It is also expected to have a full year's MOT by the time of the sale.
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