2012-08-19 07:47:42 | pauls writes:

Ebay item 8/19/12
cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jaguar-XJ12-Series-1-Exceptional-Extraordinary-Seldom-Se ...
Opening bid $4,000 reserve not met, no bids yet 6 days left in auction. 92k miles.

Sellers description:
XJ12 has had only two owners and the finest in care and maintenance, and it shows. A Series 1 short-wheelbase XJ V12 in such exceptional condition is very hard to come by. One can still find an XJ Series 2 or 3 in decent shape, but there's always work to do on a less than perfectly maintained Jaguar and the expense of putting an XJ right quickly outweighs its market value. Here, we have a Jaguar saloon that has only once changed hands and has always been professionally maintained and serviced. Every receipt since the car left the showroom has been retained, never has any major work been necessary. Garaged all its life, its condition is outstanding and it performs flawlessly. To look on this car and then drive it is to understand why the graceful and powerful XJ12 Series 1 saloon caused such a stir in 1973.

An Oregon car since new, this XJ12 was delivered to the first owner (who bought it for his wife) by R+H Auto Imports in Eugene. The price? A substantial $11,180. Documentation is complete, including the original window sticker, purchase order, and owner's manual in the Jaguar plastic pouch.

A beautiful Primrose yellow finish and black leather. These exterior and interior colors were special-order. The pleated leather seating surfaces are still smooth, supple and unblemished. With the wood veneer dash and four polished mahogany door caps, the cabin is a classy and sumptuous place to be. Doors close with authority. Power windows drop down obediently. All switchgear and gauges operate as they should. Even the Kienzle clock works! 50-60 pounds oil pressure. And on the hot summer day we test drove this car, (100 degrees) the water temperature stayed reassuringly low. The A/C is intact, but needs a charge, the only item on the car that is not currently functioning.

A benefit of the Series 1 XJ are the early bumpers, clean and uncluttered without the heavy rubber of the later Series. Note the simple, tasteful overriders. Note also the regal front grill, more upright and more of a statement than the grill that followed. The ride is, of course, patented Jaguar -- taut and plush at the same time, planted squarely and solidly on the road. This big saloon handles very nicely. Driving it is sporting or soothing, depending on your mood. Either way, this nearly 40 year old car is amazingly free of jolts, squeaks, or bothersome rattles.

And then there's that glorious V12 -- liquid smooth and full of coiled power. 6500 rpm redline. On the highway of today, rarely if ever seen. On song, the dual exhaust sounds a muted growl and the sedan gathers speed very quickly indeed, the countryside rushing past in near silence. For those seeking the technology and amenities offered in a new car today, continue your search. This sleek Jaguar is almost minimal in its luxury features. And with that, it somehow achieves a kind of purity.

A Clarion Magi-Tune AM/FM cassette has been added, but the sale comes with the original AM/FM eight-track and the stock four speaker system has not been tampered with. You have noticed by now that this saloon rides on chrome Dayton wire wheels and modern rubber (Like new Hankook 205-70-15s) but the buyer also gets the original steel wheels and chrome hubcaps, in excellent condition. And the original Dunlop SP Sport spare tire in the boot has never been on the ground.

This wonderful Jaguar is not easily being parted with. The current long-term owner would keep it indefinitely were it not for a crisis of parking space. You may also have noticed that the Buy it Now price of $11,180 is exactly the price paid for the car when brand new in 1973. For such a remarkable preservation of the past, it seems only fitting.