While the classic Jaguar XJS remains one of the car world’s most instantly recognizable designs, the pretty pillar-less coupe model is seen far less frequently, owing to its low production numbers of under 2,000 cars made. Fitted with a V12 engine that pushed out a respectable 244 b.h.p., the two-doors are infinitely more collectible than the sedans, and rarely come up for sale in any form. This example listed here on craigslist for $5,000 is clearly a project, but a deserving one given its overall level of completeness. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Richard in Maine for the find.
The XJC is obviously a project, with even basic items like the taillight lenses needing repair. The photos don’t tell us a lot, other than noting that the nose shows evidence of what looks like some previous bodywork around the outer headlights on both sides. There’s also what looks like some filler or primer material on the driver’s door as well, so perhaps this rare two-door Jaguar was someone’s project that began but soon stalled out. Bodywork is a pain, and it can sometimes cause projects to drag on when the cosmetics are tackled before the mechanical work that would allow you to actually enjoy the car while the exterior is prettied up. I dig the in-your-face dual exhausts.
The Jaguar’s location in Reno, Nevada inspires some confidence that the bodywork may not be terribly rust underneath or anywhere, and that the primer seen here was applied to fix a dent or other superficial flaw rather than repairing bodyrot. The Jaguar should really be pictured with its windows down, as that captures one of the car’s most pleasing features – that lack of an annoying B-pillar. The car appears to retain its factory chrome wheels, and of course, the gigantic U.S.-spec safety bumpers. Interestingly, the seller claims to have already replaced the burled walnut trim in the dash. He’s asking $5,000 OBO, so give him a call if you’re looking for a pretty two-door Jaguar.
Had one. I could hear it rusting in the dark. Complete junk though pretty junk.
Ever heard of why ppl rustproof their cars :-) it rusts like all other cars from the same era if taken care of the same ways.. :-))
I see this car and just want to pro street it with a BBC and a blower sticking thru the hood! Talk about being the only one at cars and coffee!
Jerry there’s one of these, garaged, maroon with tan leather interior, in upstate NY with a BBC swap done. The owner died, the family is trying to sell it. They know nothing about it, can’t find the keys, etc. etc. They said it hasn’t been run since the late 90’s. I was tempted, but I’ve have other Jaguars which we well-kept and still required a bunch of pampering, so I passed. But the BBC in this is a great idea. I just wouldn’t do it with this one.
hi gas hole could you pass on my email and i will contact them.yargnitram@icloud.com
The very definition of the term “money pit”.
This car could be a real bargain, even with mechanical issues. Very rare, and definitely worth investing a few grand to properly sort it. Probably the only mid-’70s-Jag that is…
@ AMC: Amen brother. @ JP a few grand and Jaguar is an oxymoron. Ask me how I know.
Hey, I have a Jaguar (much newer, of course), and it’s been super reliable. If this car could be sorted for anything south of $10k I think it’s worth it.
I don’t understand why in the recent past, Jaguar hasn’t continued to build a 2 door coupe XJ. With their dismal sales, maybe they would have had a winner on their hands. Could you imagine what a XJR/C would have ran like? And the body made entirely of aluminum
I own three Jags including a 6 cylinder version of this one. Mine’s not mint but in excellent condition. $10k in repairs would be a starter on one of these. I would want about $20k if I decided to sell mine.
Well now! The 2 door is a different sort of animal. I used to see quite a few 4 door models that people had put 350 Chevy engines in. A neighbor had one, while (it was a v12) attempting to replace a head bolt after replacing the gasket he stripped the threads. He tried rethreading but to no avail. It went to the scrap yard.
God bless America
All the “there is no such thing as a cheap______ (in this case Jaguar)” aside,I’m guessing this coupe will sell sight unseen this morning.Stunning cars inside and out,and rarely change hands.Yes,it’ a better deal to find one with few needs for 30 grand,but for the guy (like me ) who wants it HIS WAY ,this looks like a decent starting point.BaT had an LS powered one ,sell for like 100 grand.
Greetings All,
I have one. Sits awaiting to be recomissioned, though she runs well. I have an SS1 Tourer taking up my time currently.
The coupes are the last true coachbuilt Jags. These were built on the short wheelbase version. The doors on mine when I inventoried its condition, were originally scheduled to be replaced because they appeared to pieced together.
Imagine my surprise, they are done this way at the factory.
The front and rear doors are sectioned and welded together and a new longer door skin is fitted. All doors underneath the door card, look like Frankenstein.
The roof panel attatched with welds and lead had flexing issues because no center pilosr exists. This also manifests as wind noise because of the door windows getting sucked outward from the seal at driving speeds.
The V12, is nice but a later HE version would be welcome.
Electric windows are pretty much one off items for the rear. Better off replacing with a motor and cable kit dedicated to hot rods and just use the switches.
Most will need outer rockers but rust usually pretty minimal on these.
if you ever want to sell looking for a coupe,i do not mind work just not a rusty wreck.i had both the v12 and 6 in the 1980s and would love another
HERE IS MY EMAIL,yargnitram@icloud.com if you are thinking of selling a coupe i will then give you my contact details
Those coupes are great looking cars to me. I used to want one of the six cylinder models and entertained the idea of buying one, but never found a decent one. It’s probably best that I didn’t find one as I don’t have the time/energy/desire for another high maintenance item in my life now.
Greetings All,
I too, once preferred the 6 cylinder version but the 12 makes it worth restoring when you look at their value. Oddly enough it was once of my first trips down the highway with a V12 changed my mind.
Later, when looking at a variety of sweet coupes it was clear the V12 made a difference. Mercedes had the 450SLC, believe me having a welded on roof did wonders for that car and the extra room in the back seat was welcome, but it wasn’t as smooth as that V12.
There are tons of older cars, “reimagined” with newer powerplants, transmissions and brakes that ride even better, but I haven’t tried them all, too many and I don’t know enough people.
However……there is a MKIX Jaguar running around with a V12 that is gorgeous. I want that in a coupe. The XK 150 close but not quite big enough.
I’m intrigued. It looks like a decent deal. Why don’t people wash the cars first?
Purchased a mustard yellow with brown top and interior back coupe around 1984. Ugliest car I ever bought. Removed the clothe top, and finished the body work the factory didn’t. Painted it black, dyed the interior black, installed the early thin bumpers, and wire wheels. True they were hand built from sedan bodies. they all came with clothe top to cover the welds from being sectioned. When the Borg-Warner transmission lost reverse I replaced it with a 700R4 using a kit from a shop in Dallas called John’s Jags. Mine was the six cylinder so I have no knowledge of the problems the twelves may or may not had. The low first gear, and over drive made that car drive like a Jaguar should. Fast launch from a standing start, and quiet, smooth cruising at 80 mph with improved fuel mileage. Never had a problem with door glass sucking out, even at 100 it was quiet. I must admit rebuilding the front end was educational. That was the first time I rebuilt the ball joints instead of replacing them. I despised people that dropped 350’s in them. No Jag should ever sound like an Impala when you turn the key. The Jag, and my Morris Minor pickup were two cars I wish I had kept. Miss them every day. The ex, not so much.
Purchased a mustard yellow with brown top and interior coupe back around 1984. Ugliest car I ever bought. Removed the clothe top, and finished the body work the factory didn’t. Painted it black, dyed the interior black, installed the early thin bumpers, and wire wheels. True they were hand built from sedan bodies. they all came with clothe top to cover the welds from being sectioned. When the Borg-Warner transmission lost reverse I replaced it with a 700R4 using a kit from a shop in Dallas called John’s Jags. Mine was the six cylinder so I have no knowledge of the problems the twelves may or may not had. The low first gear, and over drive made that car drive like a Jaguar should. Fast launch from a standing start, and quiet, smooth cruising at 80 mph with improved fuel mileage. Never had a problem with door glass sucking out, even at 100 it was quiet. Rear main leak and transmission were the only problems I ever had. I must admit rebuilding the front end was educational. That was the first time I rebuilt the ball joints instead of replacing them. I despised people that dropped 350’s in them. No Jag should ever sound like an Impala when you turn the key. The Jag, and my Morris Minor pickup were two cars I wish I had kept. Miss them every day. The ex, not so much.
@ gary martin
I might consider selling mine – it will require little if any work. how do I reach you? These are great cars but at 77 years of age it’s time to reduce my fleet from 8 cars to no more than 4.
hi peter,my contact info yargnitram@icloud.com i will give you call when you replied,cheers
gary
its been removed so must have been sold,so if you have a coupe let me know yargnitram@icloud.com