Enthusiasts seeking a luxurious European classic often find it hard to ignore vehicles like the Jaguar XJ6. Those cars feature low and sleek styling, plus all the interior trim touches expected from a luxury model from that country. Our feature car is a 1976 XJ6C. These rare vehicles were offered for only four years, and low production volumes mean they aren’t seen every day. This one is a beauty, having received a significant cosmetic and mechanical refresh that leaves it as a turnkey proposition. The XJ6C is listed here on Craigslist in Morgan Hill, California. The seller set their price at $22,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder ToddK for spotting this British classic.

Jaguar unveiled its “XJ” range in 1968, and development began shortly after on a two-door variant. It appeared at the London Motor Show in 1973, but engineering issues meant the first didn’t appear in showrooms until 1975. This one rolled off the line in 1976, and the seller indicates it underwent a repaint in its original shade of Balloon White Metallic with a new Black vinyl top while under the care of a previous owner. The vinyl top was not an option during XJ6C production…it was considered necessary by the company. The roof is prone to flexing, and the paint used during the XJ6C production run was prone to cracking. Therefore, Jaguar added the vinyl to hide the problem. Modern products don’t suffer from the same issues, and it is common to see these cars with the vinyl removed to eliminate one potential rust trap. This Jag presents well, with no significant panel or paint issues. There is no evidence of rust, and if the car has spent most of its life in California, that bodes well for potential buyers. It retains its original bumpers, which are as spotless as the remaining trim and glass. The seller includes two sets of wheels. The new owner receives the originals and a set of chrome Zenettis with tires. I’ve seen this Jaguar with the aftermarket wheels fitted, and I would personally sell them to recoup some of the purchase price.

It is disappointing that the seller supplies no engine photos, but they provide plenty of information to compensate for that omission. There was nothing mechanically special about the XJ6C that set it apart from the rest of the “XJ” range, with this car featuring a 4.2-liter DOHC six, a three-speed automatic transmission, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The motor produced 160hp and 225 ft/lbs of torque, making the XJ6C an effective and effortless long-distance tourer. Potential buyers will find plenty of good news as we delve below the surface of this classic. The odometer has just rolled over, but the carburetors, transmission, and rear end received a rebuild when it read 93,000 miles. The Jag received a new fuel pump in 2016 and comes with a comprehensive collection of original receipts, Service Records, Workshop Manuals, and a selection of spare parts. It seems potential buyers can consider it a turnkey proposition ready to provide some relaxed classic motoring.

The seller purchased the XJ6C in 2018 via this auction listing. The previous owner had treated it to a retrim, with the car receiving new seat upholstery, headliner, carpet, and walnut trim. It presents beautifully, with the only cosmetic flaw limited to a small tear in the leather on the driver’s side of the console. The remaining upholstered surfaces are free from wear, the carpet remains spotless, while the dash and walnut look perfect. The Jag retains its operational radio/8-track player, with the seller including some tapes for mobile entertainment. The power windows work as they should, courtesy of some recent work, although the air conditioning isn’t blowing cold. The compressor was recently replaced, suggesting there are deeper issues requiring investigation.

Production figures for the 1976 Jaguar XJ6C vary via different sources, but it appears that no more than 2,659 examples rolled off the line that year for sale globally. That makes these relatively rare classics, and the seller’s price is in the ballpark when we examine recent sales results. It would suit someone seeking a turnkey British classic, providing an effortless and enjoyable motoring experience. Does the prospect tempt you? I won’t blame you if it does.