Lot Ended
Description
Recent service including new tyres, rear brake discs, radiator and
battery; runs and drives; gearbox fault
Sharing its
magnificent engine with the new V12 E-Type, the Jaguar XJ12 looked identical to
its six-cylinder sister car, the XJ6, which must have surprised a few motorway
drivers as it hurtled past. Launched in 1972, it was immediately voted the ‘Best
Car in the World’, its astonishing pace, ride and refinement humbling even
Rolls-Royce and it was the only mass-produced 12-cylinder saloon on the
market.
An upmarket Daimler Double Six version
was also available with more luxurious trim and improved sound-deadening. The
Series 3 version ran from 1979 – 1992 and was far better built than the
preceding S2, the styling also being subtly modernised by Pininfarina and the
V12 gaining Bosch fuel injection. The ride quality and sheer silence of the
Double Six are still as impressive today as they were at launch 50 years ago.
First registered in January 1985, this Double
Six S3 looks most attractive in Cobalt Blue with a tan hide interior. Sadly
there is very little history with the car but an invoice shows that it was sold
by Howells of Cheltenham to a local restaurant owner in December 1987 for
£17,950 when it had covered 31,268 miles. The service book shows that they
serviced it twice: at 31,782 miles in December 1987 and at 38,950 miles in May
1988.
Our vendor (who is the 6th
owner) acquired the car via Brightwells in May 2021 when it had covered 109,350
miles. He serviced the car and replaced the rear brake discs and pads (a lengthy
job that involves dropping the rear subframe), fitted a new high flow aluminium
radiator, new battery and a new set of Toyo tyres, since when the car has only
covered around 500 miles.
The gearbox then
developed a fault – although it still runs and drives, the gearbox whines under
acceleration. During the few miles our vendor covered in the car he was so
smitten that he went out and bought another one, rather than trying to fix this
one – hence its appearance in our sale.
On
offer here at no reserve, the car has been starting instantly and running almost
silently as we have moved it around on site, with good 60psi oil pressure. Yes,
the transmission will need attention but once that is sorted you will have the
pleasure of experiencing what was – and in some eyes still is – the Best Car in
the World…
For more information contact
James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com