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1-of-122: 1994 Jaguar XJ12

While the XJ40-Series of the Jaguar XJ was in production from 1986 until 1994, the XJ81 version, which encompassed both the XJ12 and the Daimler Double-Six only saw production for a 12-month period from early 1993 until early 1994. That ensured that build numbers for this series of XJ12 remained extremely low, and this is why our feature car is only 1-of-122 made. For anyone looking at owning a prestigious British luxury car, then this XJ12 might be worth a good look. It is located in Thornhill, Canada, and is listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set a BIN price of C$8,900 for the XJ12, but the option is available to make an offer.

When you look at the XJ12, you need to look pretty carefully to see that the paint color is actually maroon, and not black. The overall condition of the car is very good, with no major bumps or scrapes. The owner does say that the car is rust-free, and that doesn’t surprise me. Earlier Jaguars were extremely prone to rust, but by the time that the XJ40-Series saw production, the majority of these sorts of issues had been addressed. The paint has a good shine to it, and all of the trim is present and seems to be in good condition.

Life inside a Jaguar is never likely to be uncomfortable, and the tan leather upholstery not only looks wonderfully comfortable, but it is also in extremely good condition. Leather trim of this color can easily mark or stain, and even develop a bit of a “dirty” look to it with age. The upholstery in this car has avoided all of those problems, and it looks as good as it did the day that it rolled off the production line. The list of luxury features includes all of those items that you would come to expect, such as power windows, power locks, power seats, air conditioning, a CD player, and cruise control. Add a factory sunroof to the equation, and you would find yourself extremely pampered in this Jag.

Getting the Jaguar up and moving is the fuel-injected 5,993cc V12 engine, which produces 312hp. Those horses are sent to the rear wheels via a 4-speed automatic transmission. While the Jaguar isn’t a light car, that engine does provide the car with some pretty impressive performance figures, even by today’s standards. An XJ12 can accelerate for 0-60mph in a mere 6.8 seconds and can work its way to a top speed of 156mph. When it was new, those were impressive figures, and they still stand up well some 25 years later. The Jaguar is said to run and drive perfectly, and it has recently undergone a full service, as well as being fitted with new brakes, a new exhaust, new alternator, and the steering rack has also been rebuilt.

Jaguar as a brand has withstood more than its fair share of ups and downs. That it was able to survive the turmoil of the British Leyland years is a testament to how highly regarded it is as a brand. It also managed to survive the Global Financial Crisis, which claimed some significantly stronger brands and is probably stronger now than at any time in the last 40-years. That means that parts and spares should remain in reasonable supply for many years into the future, and this has to be a consideration when buying any form of a classic car. For that person who is looking at acquiring a piece of classic British motoring luxury, this is a car that really does deserve consideration.

Comments

  1. Avatar Coventrycat

    Nice color combo, but the dullest styling in the whole XJ series.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Tirefriar

      Beauty is in the eye of the title holder. While a bit heavier than Series 1-3, it was distinctive for its period. To me the best one was X308, I owned a 2001 XJR and loved every minute of it. I used to frown on the XJ40 series mainly due to their built quality. The twin sealed beam headlamp in lieu of the euro lamps bothered me a great deal too. Otherwise the proportions and styling are nice and have their own place in the Jaguar sedan line up.

      Like 6
  2. Avatar Ben T. Spanner

    Bingo. Nice car, nicely equipped, but perhaps the least desirable of the sedans. Price is $6600 or so in US dollars, which is a lot of car, for not a lot of money. Subtract the cost of the recent repairs, and the seller won’t net much.

    Like 5
  3. Avatar AutoArcheologist Member

    We own an 88 Vanden Plas. The straight 6 puts out close to 285 HP and she gets up and goes pretty well… I have owned the XJ40 for over 10 years and the only issue I’ve had is a worn fuel pump. Replaced for less than $100.
    Low and wide, she handles very well and accelerates nicely.. yes, very comfortable.. quite the bang for the buck, especially in US dollars. This car is priced fairly and market correct.
    here is ours.

    Like 7
  4. Avatar Dan

    I am more intrigued in the Alfa Romeo behind the Jag. And the Peugeot 206 outside the barn. Probably imported under the 15 year old rule ? Though, the Alfa doesn’t look 15 years old. Seems like an Alfa GT https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfa_Romeo_GT

    Like 1
  5. Avatar John Taylor

    I sold these new, I worked at a Ford Dealers which also had the Jag agencies and was the appointed Jag salesman. These were a fabulous car in their day and this one looks to be fantastic condition, out here in Australia these were a great cruiser for long distance runs and handled very well. It was quite funny the owner of the company would sometime come and ask me if he could borrow the Jag demonstrator at times. He was a great man to. We would swap and I’d get his (Australian which is way different than the American models) Fairlane or LTD depending on what he had at the time and the Jag really did prove to be a much nicer car.

    Like 3
  6. Avatar Maestro1

    They are fine cars, I’d buy it if I had the room.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Will C

    My XJ40 is a 1992 4.0L six. I have a ’92 XJS with a V12. Both are a pleasure and both are very reliable. The XJ40 aka XJ6 Sovereign, is absolutely the smoothest car I ever driven or ridden in. I can only imagine how smooth it would be with the V12. If it were in the US, I would definitely be more interested.

    Like 1
  8. Avatar John

    It does look like a nice car, but it’s been advertised for quite some time now what this claim of 1 of 122. Production figures for XJ12 show considerably higher so I’m not certain how one of 122 comes to pass.

    Like 1

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