1976 Jaguar XJ12C or XJ5.3C Coupe

1976 Jaguar XJ12C (or XJ5.3C) –one of the rarest production Jaguars from Coventry.

The Jaguar XJ12C is a limited production run, rare two-doorpillar-less coupe version of Jaguar's standard XJ four-door saloons.XJ Coupe is the rarest Jaguar ever built to date.With production starting in 1975 and ending in 1977, a total of 9,378 XJ Coupes(both the 6- and 12-cylinder versions) were made over the three-year run.This example was manufactured in 1976 and is one of only 1,855V12, 5.3 Coupes Jaguar produced in 1976 (686 for the U.S. market). It featuresa 5.3-liter V12 aluminum block and heads, fuel-injected, twin alloy overheadcam, and a 3-speed automatic transmission.The XJC shares the chassis and wheelbase with the shortwheelbase XJ version, but it differed in regard to longer saloon doors and anewly designed roof. If you don’t know what you’re looking at, I’ll letyou google your little heart out to find out more about this particular Jaguarmodel (this is my 3rd XJ Coupe). Some enthusiasts have saidthat Jaguar screwed up when they canceled this model, and others say thebiggest mistake was not making a factory convertible version of the XJCs.

This is not a perfect, restored, example.This car needs TLC, most of which is cosmetic. Right now, however, itruns, drives and stops. If you want to enjoy it now – enjoy! If youwant to start a restoration, then do what you want with it. I know of oneother XJ12C right now that is getting a Chevy V8 transplant and although I’veowned two XJ6Cs in the past with Chevy engines, it hurts meto know someone is doing that to such arareV12 Coupe.BUT… to each their own I guess.

What I know about the car: the seats and dashwere recovered, but the passenger’s front seat and dashboard were neverreinstalled properly. Some interior trim wasn’t installed either (defrostvents in the dash) however they will come with the car. There is a slight dent near the passenger’sside gas cap. I had both gas tanks removed, cleaned, sealed, and reinstalled.Someone removed the two Jaguar fuel pumps and installed an aftermarket electricfuel pump, but it only runs the driver’s side gas tank. There is someminor rust starting (paint bubbling) near the bottom under the passenger’s rearwindow. Someone drilled two holes in the hood, I can only imagine for ahood ornament (“Leaper”) but they are NOT centered. The black vinyl roof thatall coupes came with, was removed at some point and is painted the same silveras the car. Neither rear window is operational right now, I have nottaken the time to test switches or wiring (thank you Mr. Lucas). The AM/FMradio and 8-TRACK TAPE PLAYER (-YESSS!-)… don’t sound veryclear. Again, I’m not sure if this is simple wiring, or if the speakersor antennae aren’t hooked-up properly or what the problem is… but I will letyou have the few 8-track tapes I have!????Some ofthe gauges work, some don’t. The after-marketgauges on the dash are just sitting there, the temperature gauge is hooked up as the Jag’s gauge doesn’t work. The gasgauge doesn’t work as I said there’s only one tank hooked up. The tachometer doesn’t work but the speedodoes. It will come with several Jaguarmanuals, a car cover, original tool kit, original steering wheel, and a hood ornament (the smaller cat version). Whyam I selling this gem, you ask? The lastphoto is my white,1959 Jaguar Mk IX that desperately needs a paint job and somere-chroming done. (‘Nuff said.)

Please review all the photos. Email me ifyou’d like photos of something in particular, and I’ll get back with you assoon as possible.