Of the many Jaguar models over the years, the XJ Series II is probably the car that people think of in the first instance. The four door saloon by Sir William Lyons was timeless – so much so in fact, that the design of the XJ remained virtually unchanged for two decades.

In 1975, Jaguar released the XJ-C. A pillarless coupe variant of the XJ, aimed at the sartorial executive. With a higher price than the more practical four door version, the coupe never sold in big numbers, and production ceased in 1978. Only 10,000 were made.

Of those, the majority were naturally sold in Britain, with only 241 imported to Australia by Jaguar. But our lack of snowfall and our dry climate has meant that a great many have survived the years, while those in the motherland have succumbed to cancerous rust. With personal importations over the years, it is now estimated by XJ-C expert Phil Evans that there may be more than 300 in the country.

Harris & Silverman member Andrew got in touch with us after his father passed away earlier this year. A big Jaguar fan, this father owned three XJ-Cs in his lifetime (roughly 10% of the total cars in Australia!). Andrew invited us down to the beautiful Mornington Peninsula to drive the XJ-C on an overcast Saturday afternoon.

The maroon Jaguar sat patiently under a fading car cover. It started on the button, as they say, with the 4.3 litre straight six settling into a hum at idle that is reminiscent of another era. The automatic transmission takes its time and makes a point of changing gear. Interestingly, the straight six was just as powerful as the more desirable V12 motor, and far more reliable. It was only the final drive that determined the slightly quicker 0-60 time of the 5.3 version.

On the road and the dichotomy of this older Jaguar is alluring. After all these years the car is still very tight, yet it is large and boaty and luxurious. The motor is mechanical, smooth, and powerful to a point, though it is most comfortable within its set torque band. It feels solid and heavy, yet has a delicacy to it. It provides you with the impression that it could do anything asked of it at any time, and be completely up to the task. City errands, long country miles, a sweeping mountain pass – the Jag is a capable machine, with a subtle and understated level of class.

Inside and the large soft tan leather seats offer a level of comfort not found on any cars nowadays. A thin-rimmed steering wheel, a simple and elegant t-bar, and an airy yet quiet glasshouse provide the occupants with a sense that this vehicle is more than just mere transportation. It is chosen by those who demand a degree of elegance, comfort, and distinction. The wood veneer on the dashboard is beginning to fade slightly, but it’s no less beautiful.

No-one can deny that the design of the XJ-C is special. The XJ is iconic and timeless, and the special two-door version is that and more. The lines of the coupe work particularly well with its own proportions, with large rounded doors and an expansive boot. It’s just a lovely thing to behold, and pedestrians go out of their way to look over the vehicle when its out of its cave.

The XJ-C never saw the kind of depreciation that its four door sister suffered. Prices have been climbing quietly, particularly as the 70s era of luxury cars find more of an audience. Though very few are ever offered for sale, prices are typically between $35,000 and $50,000, depending on the condition on the vehicle. This XJ-C is unrestored, and though not concourse, it is in stunningly good condition for a British car of its age. If you have an interest in this XJ-C, we would invite offers of above $40,000.

Our special thanks to Andrew, and our gratitude to his late father for being a custodian of such a rare and desirable Jaguar.