Though Jaguar’s XJ6C didn’t arrive in showrooms until 1975, it’s got a ’60s swankiness about it. That’s because it really was a ’60s car. The XJ line was introduced in 1968 to rationalize Jaguar’s saloon production – four models in all – down to one. The first of the series was a luxury four-door, but a prototype coupe was cobbled up in 1969 on a shortened XJ6 chassis. Several aspects of the project dished up trouble, preventing its launch for years: the doors were very long and heavy; the window glass was noisy; the roof flexed; and then labor problems arose in Britain, affecting nearly all manufacturing. By 1973, the car was finally shown at the London Motor Show. It took another two years for production to begin, as Jaguar juggled its resources among the coupe project, its new XJ12, and an update to the aging XJ6 saloon. In the end, only 9378 examples were made. Here on craigslist is a fine representative of this special car, a 1976 Jaguar XJ6C, with an asking price of $61,500. This two-owner, low-mileage car is located in Palm Beach, Florida. T.J. sent us this tip – thanks, T.J.!
Our seller hasn’t provided an engine photo, but beneath that elegant bonnet is Jaguar’s 4.2-liter six-cylinder – unfortunately “dumbed down” by two Zenith Stromberg carburetors for America’s market rather than the SU’s that European buyers enjoyed. The carb change trimmed output to about 160 hp. American buyers also received the three-speed Borg Warner automatic. Numbers match: nothing but hoses and maintenance items have been replaced. The odometer reads only 27,600 miles.
The interior is resplendent in leather, wood, and wool. The full-featured dash provides six Smiths gauges; all electrical items are said to be in working order. This car has never been apart, and it has always been stored in a climate-controlled garage. It comes with a British Heritage Certificate.
This model was deliberately aimed at the American market, though most examples were sold in the UK. Living with a Jaguar isn’t the easiest endeavor, and Jags made during Britain’s most stressful labor relationships in decades were particularly challenging. Many did not receive required maintenance from their first or later owners; many have been subject to American motor transplants. This example is above reproach, and as original as they come – and the price reflects that. What do you think – is it worth it?
Nice looking car, seems to be in tip-top shape.Seller is asking for a lot of coin but does say “offers encouraged,” a good sign for any interested party.
$61,500? Does that include a garage?????
This has been on the market for several months at least, maybe a year.
It is overpriced by about $30,000. Even if it were the much rarer 12 cylinder, it’s a very high ask.
Agree that this is over- priced by the owner.
These are beautiful- looking cars but as described in the write-up, known to cause headaches. I’m not sure I would go there, personally.
I would not run too far with the idea of a “60s car”. I remember the first UK models were sold in 1969 but were massively praised by all magazines in all markets as way in advance of any competitor.
So very much a car of the 70s for me. I never understood why Jaguar sought to compete on low pricing, which MB never ever did. As a result Jaguar compromised design excellence with poor build and reliability, which is the kiss of death in a premium vehicle.
Where are they now?
A friend of the family had one of these. Broke down all the time. He complained about it bitterly. Actually, without that he probably wouldn’t have had anything to talk about, so it all worked out for the best.
Beautiful and graceful looking car. Sadly these and Studebaker Avantis are now showing up for sale all over. Some of the sellers are basing the price on fond memories and the feelings of the first owners. Others are trying to cash in on the faint of heart.
I’d offer to put a pair of throttle body fuel injectors in it, swap the slush box for a 5 speed manual and have a great ride! Sorry to the purists.
Alas, you’d still be stuck with the awful wiring and electrical components.
Beautiful cars, but they really did suffer from a contagion of early 70s British woes. Reason number one for the low mileage.
Seeing cars like this reminds us how sad Jaguar’s current state is.
In late Seventies the girl I met and she’s still around (: She had a ’73 XJ6 Saloon. Quietest car I ever drove; before it blew a head gasket on the 405 in LA.
I always liked the 2 doors. I saw quite a few at one time with a sunroof. Take the “impact resistant” bumpers off and swap out for the pre-’73 chrome bumpers.
Coming out of Florida doesnt surprise me the ask. Fishing in a pond with a lot of loose money.
You need to remember that 27K miles then in the 70’s, isn’t the same as 27K miles in todays cars. For certain Jag’s back then, 27K represented mid life for the car presenting the start of reoccurring problems. This is a good looking car and the coupe, for me is sharper than the 4 door. These cars were known for their problems back then. If you took the last zero off the asking price, for me it would still be a ‘tough nut to crack’.
way to much coin, not worth the asking price, it is a nice car though.
Absolutely beautiful XJ6, the interior is a work of art. Would love to have one after someone else fixed all the problems, because Jaguars aren’t exactly known for reliability. But $60k is E-Type in fair condition money, an XJ6 in excellent condition is maybe a $25k car.
A year ago I made a list of the 80+ cars I’ve owned over the past 55 years. Without question the biggest turd of the bunch was the XJ6C. One could hear it rust at night, never ran right no matter what, smelled like an oil refinery. I donated it for fear of being run out of town with torches and pitchforks. And these were the cars best features.
Oh baby, this one’s cool. Tho can’t say I’m a fan of the satanic red inside.
If you read the Craig list ad, it is priced at $59,500. Seller claims it has spent it’s entire life in California. Why does it have New Jersey plates and is located in Palm Beach Florida. Raises a few questions in my mind.
If there’s one thing Ford did right it was making Jaguar a better and more reliable car. Before Ford Jaguar was crap mechanically but became the cars they are today thanks to Ford. l’m not a Ford person but you have to give credit were credit is do. Now Jaguar is a first class sports luxury automobile. But unfortunately the car for sell here is Pre Ford.
Maybe true but nobody calls a “new” Jaguar “Lovely”.
This looks like one that was on Copart a while back with some under hood disassembly. It looked damned near flawless and had this color interior. Too bad these were so lousy. They sure were nice looking.
Well, being a car-crazy man I don’t understand why there are no engine bay, trunk floor, and undercarriage pics. With a large price, you would think all the
needed info and a gross amount of pic would encourage buyers. It is a nice Jag.
I bought one. Think it was an equalizer model from the t.v. show. The hood ornament and other bits were gold plated. Had a built in cell phone. Butterscotch leather. I think Connolly. The neighbor had a rolls convertible. The interiors smelled the same. Burled walnut . No issues with mine. Had it for a couple of years. Nice car. It dripped class.
I also owned one and only sold it as I prepared to move. Much to my surprise, it was very reliable, but flooded (?) easy when cold. Driver error. I’d like another now that a few years have passed, but at that price, I’d be afraid of actually driving it and maybe it being damaged.
Looks like a 100k operates like a 10k about as reliable as a 1k.
I had a ’76 in BRG, black top, interior and factory hand painted gold pinstrip. Beautiful car. Probably the most comfortable ride I’ve owned. Handled well too considering it was a heavy car. But there were plenty downsides. Surface dyed leather easily cracked, headliner in all of them drooped, heavy lacquered dashed cracked in summer heat – and that’s just the interior. Had twin rear fuel tanks, a solution to a non-existent problem, except when one fuel pump went out. Electronic ignition tended to fry, mounted too close to engine. All that can be sorted but it ain’t cheap. Accept that purchase price is a down payment and you will love it.
Obviously one must not just be able too purchase this particular car but afford it as well ….. All around maintenance comes with it and if one individual can’t then that person can’t afford it plane and simple 😏