Lot details Registration No: H53 HRF Chassis No: SAJJDALW3CB483727 Mot Expiry: Sept 2011
Jaguar launched its XJ model range in September 1968 and it was the last saloon able to boast the input of the company's founder, Sir William Lyons. The XJ was, and still is, the company's flagship model. The first of the XJ12s - versions powered by Jaguar's 5.3-litre V12 powerplant - saw the light of day in July 1972. At the time, it was the world's only mass-produced 12-cylinder car. With a top speed of around 140mph, it was also the fastest full, four-seater. The Autumn of 1973 saw the first of two facelifts for the model range. At the time, there was the option of short and long wheelbase variants, but a year later the short wheelbase derivative was dropped and all subsequent saloons benefited from the extra four inches of cabin space hitherto only available in the LWB version. The second facelift occurred in late 1979, the major visual changes of which included thicker rubbers for the bumpers, flush door handles, one-piece front door glasses, a revised grille with only vertical slats and a change of roofline resulting in a shallower glass area. Come 1981 and the 5.3-litre V12 models received the new Michael May-designed 'fireball' high compression cylinder heads. From 1983 onwards, the top specification Jaguars were badged as Sovereigns - a name previously only associated with the Daimler marque. The last of the six-cylinder Series III cars were manufactured in 1987 and all subsequent examples were powered by the 5.3-litre V12 unit. Series III production ceased in 1992, by which time some 10,500 had been built with the V12 engine.
The XJ12 Sovereign SIII being sold was built in 1990. It is finished in a subtle shade of Metallic Blue and trimmed in grey/blue leather. We understand the first owner retained the car for eighteen years, after which it was stored for a further decade. Apparently now serviced every six months, the service book contains some seventeen main agent stamps and those of two independent specialists - the last visit was made in June this year. This handsome-looking Jaguar comes complete with original handbooks, recent receipts for almost £900 and the appropriate registration number 'H53 HRF'.
PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has been regularly serviced from new.
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