20k-Mile 1978 Jaguar XJ12L

Description

The 1978 Jaguar XJ12 L represented the pinnacle of Jaguar’s Series II luxury sedans, produced between 1973 and ’79. It featured a long‑wheelbase chassis and was powered by a 5.3‑liter V12, an engineering centerpiece that distinguished it as one of the only V12‑powered sedans of its era. Jaguar refined the XJ12 L’s ride, handling, and comfort, pairing its smooth power delivery with lavish materials and classic British craftsmanship. Its rarity added to its prestige, with only 3,284 units produced in 1978.

This 1978 Jaguar XJ12 L was purchased by the current owner in 2022 from the second owner, who was reportedly the stepson of the original owner. It was showing approximately 14,900 miles at time, which are believed original, but that exceptionally low mileage was due to long-term storage. After a thorough refurbishment, including respraying the sun-faded factory paint in the same Squadron Blue color, and replacing the black vinyl top, the current owner has added around 5,300 miles, driving an automobile that Jaguar said, “…has been bred like champion thoroughbreds to develop qualities of stamina, speed and grace in motion.”

This 1978 Jaguar XJ12 L is now offered by a Broad Arrow Specialist with a binder of refurbishment receipts, an owner's handbook, and a clean Georgia title in the current owner's name.

Highlights

• Three-owner Jaguar XJ12 L

• Showing 20,200 miles

• Only 3,284 XJ12 L long-wheelbase sedans produced in 1978

• Resprayed the original Squadron Blue with black vinyl top

• Original Dark Blue leather interior

• Extensive recent servicing

Factory Equipment

• 5.3‑liter V12 engine rated at 244 horsepower

• Three‑speed automatic transmission

• Four‑wheel independent suspension

• Power-assisted rack and pinion steering

• Four‑wheel disc brakes

• Limited-slip differential

• Air conditioning/heating unit with automatic temperature control

• Electric power windows

• Tinted glass

• Fully reclining leather-faced front seats adjustable for reach and height

• Telescoping steering wheel

• Console and lockable glove box

Modifications

• New “Retro Sound” Bluetooth radio and new speakers

• Power antenna

Servicing & Documentation

• Due to lengthy storage the following maintenance was performed:

  • New fuel tanks

  • New fuel pump

  • New fuel filter

  • Injectors were removed and cleaned

  • Cooling system was drained

  • New aluminum radiator

  • New hoses, thermostat, and an electric fan

  • AC compressor replaced

  • New AC expansion valve

  • AC recharged with R12

  • New AC evaporator

  • Resprayed original color of Squadron Blue

  • New black vinyl roof

  • Refinished instrument panel wood

  • New body seals including front and rear glass

  • New valve cover gaskets and seals

  • New oil pan also had new gaskets installed

  • New oil and filter, air filters, spark plugs, and ignition wires

  • Crane ignition system installed

  • Transmission was drained and a new filter and gasket installed along with governor gasket and dipstick filler O-rings, plus fresh oil

  • New Kumho 205/70/15 tires

Known Imperfections

• Paint chip on one of the door edges

• Stitching on the front passenger seat is showing some wear (see photos)

Ownership History

The seller has owned this 1978 Jaguar XJ12 L since March 2022.

Included Items

• Owner's handbook

• Binder of restoration receipts

Additional Information

The seller states, “I purchased the Jaguar in March of 2022 through a friend of mine in California who owns an independent Jaguar/Land Rover repair shop. The car came into his shop from one of his customers, it had been in storage for many years, suffered paint damage due to the California sun, and it had not been run for a long time. The customer decided to sell the car rather than having my friend repair it. The car apparently was his stepfather’s car from new, so he was the second owner and I am the third.

“When I purchased the car, it had 14,900 original miles, now it has just over 20,200 miles. I believe the miles are original as it retains all the original interior including the carpets, some even have the British Leyland part number on a sticker attached to the underside. I had the body refinished in its original color of Squadron Blue and black vinyl roof fitted. All exterior body rubber seals were replaced, including both front and rear screen seals. A new wool headliner and cantrails were covered.

“The fuel system was completely rebuilt, both new fuel tanks installed as the original ones had really stale petrol in them and some rust in the bottom, new fuel pump, fuel filter and the injectors were removed and cleaned. The cooling system was drained, new/updated aluminum radiator, new hoses, thermostats and an electric fan. The AC system was also rebuilt, the dash was removed and a new evaporator was installed, and while the dash was out I sent the wood to a specialist in the UK to be refinished. The AC compressor was replaced including a new expansion valve and recharged with R12. The engine received new valve cover gaskets and seals, the oil pan also had new gaskets installed. New oil and filter, air filters, spark plugs, ignition wires, and a Crane ignition system installed. The transmission was drained and a new filter and gasket installed along with governor gasket and dipstick filler O-rings, plus fresh oil. A ‘Retro Sound’ Bluetooth radio and electric aerial were installed. New Kumho 205/70/15 tyres were fitted.”

A Broad Arrow Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the seller of this listing. As such, the purchase transaction will be facilitated by Broad Arrow, including vehicle payment, applicable taxes required to be collected by the seller or Broad Arrow, and title/ownership reassignment. Broad Arrow is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hagerty.

Contact: Jakob Greisen Phone: 415.480.9028 email: jgreisen@hagerty.com