JAGUAR XJ12 SOVEREIGN 5.3 V12 HE 78000 MILE SERIES 3 WONDERFUL ORIGINAL EXAMPLE

1984 JAGUAR SOVEREIGN 5.3 V12

78000 Miles – Full Service History

Superb Original Condition

B817 RGN

First registered and pre delivery inspected by Mann Egerton Jaguar dealer in Norwich on 01.08.1984. This is a wholly original example, not restored complete with exact factory specification right down to the stereo working aerial. It's a fully operational XJ with no compromises, ready to be used or stored.

Most recently owned for the last 5 years by a dedicated mature lifelong Jaguar man involved in the Jag enthusiast club and the Jag drivers club.

I personally feel this Series 3 to be the best combination of specification, in that's it's a later improved V12, no sunroof, air con, Cranberry Red and Oatmeal leather. Examples of this model of this quality are drying up very quickly indeed. Complete with the Green leather wallet containing the sales literature of the day and the service booklet. The boot has a fire extinguisher and a complete original tool kit in the hard case. The spare wheel is a matching alloy and all road tyres are recent Pirelli P4000 Super Tourings, all wheels in nice shape, five in total. The service history is very impressive and inches thick.

The XJ12 Series 3 HE

The Jaguar XJ12 is the benchmark saloon car. Even today, some 53 years later the XJ12 has a lot to teach even the most luxurious modern German saloon offerings and some might say that no manufacturer has since managed to capture the presence of the XJ12. Many say that Jaguar saved the best until last with the Series 3, and have to agree.

However, the centrepiece of the car is obviously the V12 taken straight from the E-type. At idle the car is eerily silent and super smooth. There is obviously plenty of power to give from the big 300 bhp V12 and the 3-speed Borg-Warner automatic gearbox is as smooth as glass carrying you down the road on a seemingly endless surge of power. The engine is very quiet throughout the rev range but at about 4000rpm you can hear a little snarl of induction noise as all 4 carburettors click wide open, reminding you of the exotic nature of the twelve cylinder motor.

History

A thick folder of history going back 30 odd years containing an abundance of previous MOTs and bills. Of note the engine was replaced in 1999 by Jaguar dealer under warranty at dealer cost for £7000 which is fully documented.  The mileage at the time was 51637 so the current engine has done very few miles at all. The current MOT is until next September with no advise and the majority of the tests on this car through the years have been routine with no corrosion issues. Its been garaged, a claim often made however with some cars you can bear testament to it.

Just been serviced inc new dizzy cap, rotor arm, ht leads and plugs, new fuel pump, changeover valve, two regulators, return valves and new filter, new sender units, both tanks changeover as they should. The tyres are all pretty recent and the bakes are in good order.

Condition

Rust is the killer on these, thats why so many have expired. The sills rear and quarters are all excellent on this one as is the underside which has been protected with a coat of waxoyl, a 10 minute study of the underside revels no area of concern, rock solid with good fuel and brake lines, suspension components and so on.

The chrome is lovely as is all the glass lights and lenses. The engine bay is all detailed and the boot is clean and tidy with no wear. wheel and tyre, all factory present and correct. Bodywork in excellent condition and it really gleams with straight true panels.  Chrome work  is good interior lovely condition as is the veneer.

Its important to note that the feel of this car is one of little use and low mileage, everything feels very well preserved. The bone dry interior and carpets, the well fed leather, all the original glass, the condition of the wood and switch gear, the boot, the detailed state of the engine bay etc etc.

Summary

Whether your a Jaguar / Daimler enthusiast looking to enhance your collection or a classic car enthusiast looking for something truly special to enjoy on high days and holidays this V12 is an excellent example and the likes of which will not be this affordable forever.

The S3 XJ12 exhibits all of Jaguar's brand values in one single model; strong performance, refined interior, decent handling, comfortable ride and understated good looks. For many years the Jaguar XJ12 has been somewhat forgotten but now the big V12 is starting to gain momentum and appreciation to a different generation of audience.

Attention has again turned to the original XJ and with several magazines featuring the car in recent months, values of this special Jag are set to rise as people realise the significance of the original big Jag V12. The reality is that we all, or perhaps the majority are running out of time fast to grasp the opportunity to own a V12. Surely one of the silkiest, most satisfying luxury cars ever available in this country. The inside of an XJ is as nice a place as any you can imagine. The XJ12, is as rewarding a car as you're going to find on the public roads.

The car is fairly priced, 3-5k gets you a car needing restored, 15k upwards is all about low mileage investment stuff that's not for driving really.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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