Lot 288 - 1969 Jaguar XJ6 Series I (2.8 litre)

Launched in September 1968, the Jaguar XJ6 was the last model that Sir William Lyons had a, hands-on, input into the design. This new model was the result of several years of development and streamlined the extensive portfolio of models offered by Jaguar at the time. This new, reasonably priced car, managed to retain the principles of earlier Jaguars but offered a new level of driveability and safety. It created such a desire that second-hand models were achieving higher prices than new cars on dealership forecourts. These early models have outstanding ability and are considered by many enthusiasts as the purist form of Sir William Lyons’ design.

This exceptional magazine featured early XJ6, was manufactured at Browns Lane on 8th December 1969 and was supplied initially to an engineering company based in Wolverhampton which is still trading today. An invoice for the sale of the car from 1970 for £2,468 is present in the history file. Finished in Jaguar Light Blue with dark blue Connolly leather interior, the car still retains all its early production features including chrome dials, straight exhaust pipe finishers, small rear lights, simple battery carrier with attached washer bottle, S1 wheel trims and original carpets. Servicing was initially conducted by the Jaguar factory service department but since 2000 it has been entrusted to Jaguar authorised retailers based in the Edinburgh area, or most recently by ex-Jaguar Classic technicians in Coventry, who carried out a major service and recommissioning work in 2020. In addition, the original engine was completely rebuilt by the respected specialist VSE in Wales, with only 11,000 or so miles covered since. The coachwork was restored at considerable expense by Classic Restorations in Scotland, renowned for their outstanding work on Rolls-Royce and Bentley vehicles. This included many new panels and a full repaint in the highly attractive original colour scheme. A considerable history file with numerous invoices accompanies ECG 438H, including the original owner’s manual and wallet, all the MoT test certificates since 1972, a number of vehicle tax discs, invoices for restoration, servicing and the engine rebuild and a copy of Jaguar World from 1993 which features this car and owner at the time. Offered to auction with a V5 registration document and a fresh MoT test certificate, this is a rare opportunity to own a stunning and highly original early Series I XJ.