Big cat hunting: Classic Jaguars up for auction in December

Jaguar has hit the headlines recently with its controversial rebranding exercise. However, the British marque does not plan to sell new cars in the UK until 2026.

For those who want a Jaguar now – or prefer the classic era – the upcoming Iconic Auctioneers December Classic Sale at the Warwickshire Event Centre could offer some salvation.

Before the sale on 7 December, we have profiled a number of special Jags ready to cross the auction block. Needless to say, all of them have the legendary big cat badge on the bonnet.

1978 Jaguar XJS 5.3 V12

A somewhat unloved entry in Jaguar’s back catalogue, the XJS is now gaining more attention. This can partly be attributed to the reborn TWR, which uses the XJS as the basis for its extreme Supercat restomod. 

This 1978 XJS comes with Jaguar’s 5.3-litre V12 engine, which sends 285hp to the rear wheels. Even with an old-school automatic transmission, it can accelerate from 0-60mph in around seven seconds.

Taken from the pre-HE V12 era, this XJ-S is finished in Sebring Red with a contrasting black leather interior. An extensive history file accompanies the car, including a Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate. 

With a pre-auction estimate of between £10,000 and £14,000, this is a relatively affordable way to enjoy a V12-powered Jaguar.

1996 Jaguar XJS 4.0 Celebration

The December Classic Sale also includes one of the final Jaguar XJS models made. Launched to commemorate Jaguar’s 60th anniversary, the Celebration also served as the run-out version of the XJS.

Finished in Turquoise Pearl with Magnolia leather, chrome side mirrors and Aerosport diamond-cut alloy wheels were also part of the Celebration package. Even the ‘N2 XJS’ number plate is included in the sale. 

Powered by a 238hp 4.0-litre straight-six, this Jaguar has covered 73,000 miles, and comes with only one former keeper. Being sold without reserve, it could achieve between £8,000 and £10,000.

1974 Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 Roadster

For those who want a truly iconic Jaguar sports car, only an E-Type will do. Yes, Series III models are not the most desirable from the E-Type’s lengthy production run, but there is a 5.3-litre V12 under that long bonnet…

Intriguingly, this Opalescent Silver example was originally delivered to an owner in New York City. It returned to the UK in 1999, and was then converted to right-hand drive.

The 272hp 5.3-litre V12 is combined with a manual gearbox. Only 70,000 miles are recorded on the odometer, and there is a Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate to accompany the car. Owning this E-Type should require between £40,000 and £45,000.

2004 Jaguar XKR Carbon Fibre Edition

Completing our quartet of Jaguar sports cars is a special version of the high-performance XKR. The Carbon Fibre Edition was limited to 100 examples in the UK. 

Painted in Brilliant Black, a set of 20-inch BBS alloy wheels were included, along with red-painted brake calipers. Carbon fibre trim is found throughout the interior, along with stainless steel pedals and an aluminium instrument bezel.

With a supercharged 4.2-litre V8, the XKR Carbon Fibre Edition could reach a maximum of 155mph. When new, it would have cost more than £70,000, which makes the £12,000 to £15,000 guide price look like a bargain.

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