1978 Jaguar XJ12L Series II Four-Door Saloon

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The Nethercutt Collection is one of America’s finest Automotive Museums and Collections, a masterpiece comprising over 250 perfectly restored American and European motor cars, along with a vast array of rare mechanical musical instruments and precious antique furniture. 

Maintaining a classic car collection of this size is never easy, and when it reaches the scale of our collection, it becomes increasingly more challenging. Our founder, J.B. Nethercutt said the following at age 91, “The recognition and preservation of beauty has been a major focus of my life. It would suit me well if what people remembered about me was, ‘Where he went, he left beauty behind.’” 

As a result, we have decided to part ways with a small group of cars from the collection and will do so in partnership with our friends at Hagerty Marketplace. Many of the cars we have decided to sell we have owned for in excess of 50 years, or have been in storage, not on display, or represent a tremendous opportunity as a restoration project. They are a compelling mix of pre-war examples that have been thoroughly well-cared for and that will easily find new caretakers who will undoubtedly cherish and use them as intended.  

As we say goodbye to this group of cars, we hope the occasion for their sale will introduce us to new collectors and enthusiasts, and we look forward to hosting you at the Museum and Collection in Sylmar, California, in the coming months, years and decades. 

* * * 

Jaguar introduced the XJ6 saloon in 1968. It brought to fruition a one-model policy, effectively replacing three previous model sedans in Jaguar’s lineup. Available in both short- and long-wheelbase models and a luxurious top-of-the line Vanden Plas version; a V12 was announced in 1972 along with a shorter-wheelbase two-door hardtop coupe.

The XJ12 first appeared in July 1972. One year later, Jaguar announced an upgraded and substantially altered version of the sedan, the Series II. It featured an improved body with side impact bars, a bulkhead that was virtually sealed off from the passenger compartment, new technology fiber optic lighting and multi-pin plug-in connections. The exterior makeover included raised bumpers (largely due to U.S. regulations) and a shallower radiator grille. And the air conditioning was redesigned at this time.

Standard wheelbase cars employed a 108.75-inch wheelbase while L or long wheelbase models used a 112.75-inch version. The fuel-injected 5.3-litre V12 afforded 285 hp and was mated to a conventional Borg Warner three-speed automatic. Throughout the Series II model run from 1968 to 1979, Jaguar produced 16,010 XJ12L saloons.

Highlights

• Offered from The Nethercutt Collection

• Old English White over sand leather

• Automatic transmission

• 285 hp fuel-injected 5.3-liter V12

• Air conditioning

Features

• Older complete repaint

• Original leather and wool carpeting

• Power steering, brakes, windows and antenna

• Uncracked dash

• Jaguar leaper hood ornament

• Electric rear window defogger

• Wood dashboard with full instrumentation

• Sony AM-FM Stereo/Cassette radio

Known Imperfections

• Hood bubbled

• Dent in driver’s side rocker panel

• Crack on front seat

• Driver’s side seat torn

• Three of four hubcaps are dinged

Included

• Lug wrench and spare wheel

• Extra parts in truck

Ownership History

Donated by Mrs. Violet Fabian-Laff (2003).

From Cameron Richards, Vice President of The Nethercutt Collection: “I always admired the design of the XJ12L. This car would make a great classic for someone looking to collect a nice luxurious sports car. According to Motor Trend Magazine, it was considered to be the most significant car of the decade.” 

Additional Notes

Please note that this vehicle is being sold on a salvage title.

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.

Contact: Donnie Gould Phone: 954.647.0779 email: dgould@hagerty.com