BUYING GUIDE JAGUAR XJ12 SERIES III
The Jaguar XJ Series III is an unusual machine – a stopgap model that lived for longer than either of its predecessors. Because the XJ40 was running later, the XJ Series II of 1974 simply wasn’t going to last on the market for long enough, so Jaguar commissioned Pininfarina to revise the car to bridge the gap. And when the XJ40 did finally arrive, it had been designed in such a way that a V12 engine wouldn’t fit as a result of Jaguar’s desire to rule out the Rover V8. So customers who still wanted the Jaguar V12 were stuck – Jaguar was forced to continue production of the older car alongside the XJ40 almost until the latter’s demise.
It was as a result of this quirk that the XJ12, despite being launched almost four years into XJ production, actually enjoyed a longer lifespan than the XJ6. And with no other single saloon model in Jaguar’s history having continued for thirteen years of almost unchanged production, there is a case to make for the XJ12 Series III as the archetypal classic Jaguar saloon. With that In mind, it’s easy to see why you might be tempted into ownership. But what do you need to look for?
BODYWORK
Check for rot aroundlegs too – and if there are nasty chrome wheelarch trims fitted, assume they’re hiding rot. New wings cost around £1,500 a side from SC Parts, while a third of that buys a GRP wing and slightly less a good used example. Series II wings will also fit. Check the panel gaps around the bonnet for any unevenness that might indicate crash damage. Metalwork around the headlamps is prone to corrosion, but repair panels are available.
