Although heavier than the CSL, the XJC produced a claimed 550bhp, substantially more than its contemporaries. Capable of blistering speeds and with legendary driver Derek Bell at the wheel, the XJC would set a fastest lap time and qualify pole on its debut.

However, despite the biblical roar of the XJ-C’s V12, the Broadspeeds highly strung race engine would prove unreliable against its German rivals, and despite the best efforts of the drivers, would be forced to retire before the chequered flag fell.

The XJ12C would have its time in the spotlight off the track in the hands of Secret Agent John Steed in the New Avengers. With the white and blue livery stepping aside for a more suave and sophisticated British Racing Green. Retaining the wide arches and spoilers, it cast a very imposing silhouette and was without a doubt one of the standout vehicles of the show.

Unveiled in October 1973 at the London Motor Show, the XJ-C Jaguar would not go into production for a further two years, with redesigns of the sleek pillarless doors delaying delivery dates, requiring inventive solutions by the engineers at Leyland to combat wind noise in the cabin.

The XJ Coupe, based on the Series 2 short wheel base chassis of the popular saloon XJ was available with a 4.2 litre or the new fuel injected 5.3 litre V12, producing 285 bhp and 399 N·m torque with only a three speed automatic transmission available.

The adoption of fuel injection not only increased power from 253bhp to 285bhp respectively, but also increased fuel economy and reliability, delivering the effortless buttery smooth power delivery Jaguar customers had come to expect.

By 1977 when the final V12 Coupes were hitting showrooms, the price was a whopping £11,755 with only 1855 of the 5.3 V12 Coupes ever being made. This short two year production run means that the Coupe is now even more exclusive than the Series 1 E-Type Jaguar. How’s that for bragging rights?

Under the care of the current and first UK owner, the car has undergone an extensive six-figure restoration. This restoration includes full bare metal respray in gloss black with seam sealing and stone chip protection applied to the wheel arches, lower engine bay and underside.

The interior has benefitted from a full retrim in black nappa leather, new carpet set, dashboard and steering wheel. The mighty V12 5.3 litre engine has been rebuilt with all new ancillaries, cooling system, modern air conditioning and a stainless steel exhaust system.

New wheels and tyres have been fitted with the running gear and suspension components undergoing media blasting and powder coating to ensure the car as a whole is showroom condition. It is by all standards a truly enjoyable turnkey classic.

Every stage of the restoration has been thoroughly documented with paperwork and hundreds of 6×4 postcards.

Fully prepared and recently serviced, this XJC will undergo a final PDI and be handed over to the new owner with a fresh MOT, spare key and extensive history file.