Sir William Lyons gathered the great and good of his design team to focus them on streamlining the 4 saloon models available in the 1960’s into just one all new design concept. Project XJ4 launched in September 1968 as the Jaguar XJ6 to enormous critical acclaim was the product of that work and with 2.8 and 4.2 litre 6 cylinder engines the XJ series was launched. The Bob Knight directed project would see Jaguar through numerous upgrades into the 1990’s. Such was the quality of the platform and suspension engineering aligned to the already proven XK engine and Borg Warner automatic gearbox combination that Lyons himself led the marketing of the XJ6 and his car is still cherished and used by the Jaguar Heritage Trust today.

I mention all of that history because when you drive this 4.2litre XJ6 Series 1 car its very very hard to believe that the car is 55 years old. It doesn’t even feel 25 years old and you have to remind yourself with a shot of incredulity that this design came from the drawing board of Browns Lane some 60years ago. What a time this must have been for Lyons to empower his design team to create not only a beautiful car but a critically acclaimed great driving car that leaves me feeling this way today. £2256 was the base price back then which was a small fortune for your average man. However there were long waiting lists for first XJ6 and the great and good of the late 1960’s and early 70’s clambered to own one

This car has led a very cherished cosseted life. Initially exported to Cyprus in 1970 the car was very well looked after mechanically and cosmetically. The enthusiast owner even acquired FIVA papers for the car. Given the small island of Cyprus it is entirely possible the 45k miles is correct though we cannot warranty that. What is for sure the dry and warm climate enabled the car to sidestep the ravishes of wet salty UK roads that ravaged most Series 1 cars. Today the XJ6 stands before us looking for a new custodian who understands the outstanding condition of the bodywork and trim and also appreciates that its fastidious UK owner who repatriated it from Cyprus 3 years ago has further invested in the car’s upkeep to make the car the outstanding example we offer today. Surely the best available for sale in the UK today.

The sleek bodywork is adorned by the beautiful royal blue paintwork which has a deep lustre. The door shuts are perfect as the car left the factory. Inside the cabin is a rich elegant place to be. The chrome bezel dials transition the car beautifully from the 1960’s into the modern 1970’s as do the toggle switches and polished aluminium trimming of the gear lever surround. The air conditioning switches are simply beautiful to look at and use. Moreover the air conditioning works nicely and gives that nice cold blow that would have been so important in Cyprus and is today in the UK! Additionally the car has received new leather trim and carpets supplied by Aldridge trim. The seats were upgraded to S3 at the same time. A further nice driving upgrade. Whether you are driving or in the passengers seats front or rear this Jaguar is a beautiful place to sit and rewards the occupants with a very enjoyable experience revelling in late 60’s quality design presented in the best possible way. The upgrade digital but period looking radio compliments nicely the beautifully balanced blend of originality and subtle upgrade

Out on the road the XJ6 performs really well. And it should because less than 1500 miles ago the engine and gearbox where refreshed with invoices and photos on file. The invoices for engineering work totalling some £17000+. So an engine and gearbox overhaul mated to a fuel injection upgrade to give a drive that truly belies the cars age. Finished off with a chrome wire wheel upgrade and new tyres to make the car stop as well as it goes. The MOT is new though not required and the car is also road tax and ULEZ exempt and ready to enjoy

When you realise that the engineering and trim work have cost circa £30000 then you might appreciate why this car is as described by me. It is not the cheapest series 1 XJ6. BUT if you want the best and appreciate you couldn’t build this car for half of the asking price then you might want to come and take a look at this masterpiece of William Lyons design craft. It is that good

£22995