Buying Guide

Jaguar XJ Coupé

When the Jaguar XJ appeared in 1968 it really set the cat among the pigeons. Luxurious and relatively affordable, this spacious and refined saloon was also astonishingly comfortable. When a two-door version was introduced in 1974 it only served to increase the XJ’s appeal even further, as it added a healthy dose of style to the mix.

Jaguar didn’t offer a coupé version of the Series 1 XJ, or the Series 3; it was only the Series 2 that could be specified in XJC form. Unfortunately, this was also the least well-put together of the various series of XJs, so when you’re looking to buy one you really need to have your wits about you.

Indeed, that pillarless construction led to all sorts of problems in period, with cars constantly having to go back to dealers to fix leaks and to sort problems with wind noise.

Despite the car making its debut at the spring 1973 Geneva Motor Show, the first examples were not delivered until April 1975. Production lasted little more than two years; by November 1977 the final cars were made, two years before the arrival of the Series 3.

Based on the short-wheelbase Series 1 platform (four inches shorter in length and wheelbase than the then standardised LWB platform), the Coupé also featured doors that were four inches longer. Much heavier than the saloon’s front doors, they were fitted with frameless windows that were operated electrically – just like the rear windows, which tilted forward as they dropped, to clear the wheelarches.

To retain structural rigidity the coupé has an extra box section inside the door shut and the C-pillar is wider, all cars coming with a black vinyl roof to disguise the extra width.

Carrying a £379 premium over its four-door sibling, the XJC 4.2 was priced at £5777 (£5956 in Daimler form) while the V12-engined XJC 5.3 cost a hefty £7281 – £487 more than the XJ12 saloon (the Daimler Double- Six coupé cost £7397). Incidentally, the V12 was Jaguar’s first fuel-injected XJ and it came only with a three-speed automatic transmission.

Taking both Daimler and Jaguar editions into account, along with six- and 12-cylinder engines, just 10,426 XJ coupés were built, a fifth of which were Daimlers. For a full breakdown of what was made, log on to Phil Evans’ fan site at xjc.com.au

POWER ASSISTANCE All XJCs have power steering, and slight weeps are common. Also check the fluid level is up to the mark. Worn suspension and rear subframe bushes are usual, so check they’ve not split; worn front tyres point to perished bushes in the...