2024-09-11 00:39:55 | pauls writes:

Car at auction 9/24

www.brightwells.com/timed-sale/5532/lot/731450

Auction description:

1973 Jaguar XJ12 S1

No Reserve

Registration Number LWN180L

Engine Size 5343

Engine Number 7P1314SA

Chassis Number 1P1306BW

Gearbox Automatic

Documents Part old style Log Book; V5C enroute; Haynes manual

Tax and MOT status

Tax and MOT exempt

Super-rare SWB Series 1 XJ12 with 5.3 litre V12 and automatic transmission; 67k miles indicated; four owners, the current since 1980; last on the road in 2017; potentially a straightforward project

Dating from January 1973 this late model Series 1 Jaguar XJ is a rather rare old beast, being both the sportier XJ12 variant and also short wheel base, of which just 2,474 were built out of 98,221 Series 1’s produced between 1968-1973.

Finished in dark maroon, despite missing its front bumper (inside the car) still manages to look both aristocratic yet butch and muscular at the same time, as if its rolled off the set of the recent TV series, The Gentleman perhaps – an upper class gangster in a stately home kind of vibe.

Under the imposing bonnet, we find a 5.3 litre V12 which developed 272Bhp when new, driving the rear wheels via three-speed Borg Warner Model 12 automatic transmission.

Inside, we find a biscuit leather interior with wood veneer and the usual switch gear of a Series 1 looking time worn, but complete with the car showing an indicated 67,075 miles.

The history file includes just a part old style V5, showing 3 former keepers, with the current ownership some 44 years and a Haynes manual. It has been standing idle for some time (we believe since 2016 when the last MOT was issued showing no advisories at 67,055 miles) due to ill-health and its not known if the car runs, or if so, how well so we are treating it as a non-runner for safety (fire risks etc).