An outstanding and very original Series 1 XJ6 with the most desirable combination of 4.2 litre engine mated to manual transmission with over-drive.

This strikingly handsome car comes to us with an interesting past, one that has enabled it to last for over 50 years in such remarkable condition. We understand that in the mid-1980s, the car’s then owner - a Norwegian academic, working and living in central London – found new employment in Spain. Clearly smitten with his XJ6 he decided to drive it to his new abode where it was kept happily for over 30 years. The car was hardly used whilst overseas and the owner never got round to registering it with the Spanish authorities. So, on its return to the UK in 2019 it was pretty much as it was when it left for sunnier climes including still showing as registered on its original British plates. A new V5C logbook was issued showing 4 previous owners.

Having been used sparingly in a warm, dry environment, we believe the car to have been never re-painted. The Regency Red bodywork is still in super condition, the brightwork still nice and shiny and the Webasto sunroof unblemished. It retains the original factory fitted front spot lights and electric windows in full working order.

Since its return to England, the car has been in single ownership and has benefitted from a program of recommissioning and sympathetic improvements that have included:
• Fitting of new galvanised fuel tanks
• Overhaul of both fuel pumps
• Overhaul of the rear independent suspension unit and the fit of new brake callipers and mountings
• Cooling system overhaul including new hoses and fitting of a new thermostatically operated Revotec fan
• Refurbished brake master cylinder
• Fitment of a 123 electronic distributor
• Carbs cleaned, overhauled and balanced
• Fitment of a manual choke conversion to replace the unloved AED
• Refurb of the front suspension including fitting new track rod ends and ball joints
• Fitment of refurbished Kent alloy wheels and new tyres

The car starts well on the choke and settles to a nice smooth idle. It pulls nicely through the range, changes gear without drama and drives beautifully. The only mechanical issue that we can identify is that the heater matrix has been by-passed – possibly whilst in sunny Spain – but it doesn’t effect performance in any respect and would be an easy thing to address should the new owner wish.

The interior is wonderfully original with even the factory fitted carpets still in great shape. The front seats could possibly benefit from an application of special leather feed but are as firm and comfy as one would expect. The rear seats look almost new! The current owner has replaced the seat belts with new ones retaining the correct colour and clasp arrangement as period. Dashboard and all the trim are unmarked and all the gauges appear to be in fine working order.

This is an almost incomparably original Series 1 in fantastic condition…ready to be driven, enjoyed and admired!