2025-12-04 20:01:14 | pauls writes:

Car at auction 12/25

online.doningtonauctions.com.au/m/lot-details/index/catalog/262/lot/66977/1986-J ...

Auction description:

1986 Jaguar XJ12 Series 3 Vanden Plas Saloon Project

Flagship '80s Jaguar super saloon project

Extensively refurbished leather interior

Supplied with original GM 400 transmission

Offered with No Reserve

Chassis no. SAJJDALXSCC461154

Engine no. None

Completed in June 1986 and first registered the following year, this Jaguar XJ12 is the Vanden Plas version (confusingly the name continued in Australia for several years after UK production of the VDP ceased) with a sunroof, trip computer, cruise control, higher quality carpeting and matchwood timber inlays, along with the so-called ‘pepperpot’ style alloy wheels. Finished in Antelope Metallic with light beige leather inside, we are unable to confirm this is the XJ12’s original scheme as the books supplied don’t have these details filled in.

We understand the car was maintained by Sydney specialists Cremorne Prestige for some years and appears to have been kept in very good order. The leather upholstery and carpets have been completely re-trimmed at some stage and show very little wear, while it’s possible the timberwork has also been renewed.

Showing 231,116 kms, the XJ12 was sourced by the current owner as a donor car for a client’s E-type restoration and the mighty 5.3-litre V12 has been removed. Kept in storage for several years, the owner’s intention was to find an alternative power source for the Jaguar and it’s ripe for an engine transplant - perhaps a 6-litre V12 from a Daimler mated to a more modern four-speed automatic or even an EV conversion to upset the purists. More prosaically the original GM Turbo 400 transmission supplied with the car bolts straight on to a variety of American V8s. The possibilities are limited only by the new owner’s imagination … and budget. Sold unregistered and without reserve, the Jaguar comes with a quantity of parts and the original books supplied.