1968 JAGUAR 420

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

This Jaguar starts easily, even from cold, on its electricconverted choke, running up to temperature without any blue smoke from its twin exhaust pipes. Something this big has no right to be so lively off the mark. Wafting along is its speciality, and its utterly compliant ride leaves us in no doubt that its suspension is in rude health, but the immediacy with which it builds up to cruising speeds is almost as impressive. Refinement is another highlight and any creaks from the trim or clunks from below decks would immediately be apparent in such a quiet cabin, though here there were none. You have to focus to feel the auto ’box smoothly changing ratios, and kick-down works as it should under heavy throttle.

BODYWORK CHECK

The blue paintwork looks glorious in gleaming sunlight, and the Jaguar’s imposing front is entirely free of stonechips. We searched hard to find any signs of corrosion, but even vulnerable areas, such as the door bottoms, wheel arches and A-pillar bases, are in pristine condition. The chrome isn’t perfect – most of it is in good condition but there is some pitting to a couple of the hubcaps plus the odd scratch on the rear bumper and number plate surround. The entire underside has been treated to a coating of Waxoyl, too.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

With frayed edges to the headlining, this car can’t be accused of being overrestored, and the lacquer on the walnut dashboard looks UV-damaged – but all these are minor grumbles. Overall the car presents very well and, even more importantly, everything works. The rear bench looks to have been used sparingly and, not surprisingly, most of the creases are on the ample front seats. The door cards remain taut. Front lap belts are fitted, but rear passengers are left to slide about.

UNDER THE BONNET

There’s nothing to fault inside the engine bay, with all levels correct and no leaks to be found. Nor are there any leaks from the differential or rear axle. The XK engine is running on twin SU carburettors and has an uprated ignition coil, again to aid cold-starting. During our test, only one of this Jaguar’s two fuel tanks was operational.

THE CCW VIEW

The vendor recently imported this 420 from Canada and has had it registered for UK roads. It received a thorough restoration, inside and out, in the early Nineties, something that is reflected in its fine overall condition today. The elephant in the room for this quintessentially British saloon is that it’s a left-hooker – but we’d encourage potential buyers to look past this, because this 420 is a large, luxurious car that anyone would enjoy.