Yesterday I spent time with a very special pre-production XJ12C that was used for development.This is the fifth LHD XJ12C built in 1973 to US spec that was sent to Canada for cold weather testing. It was then sent back to the UK and converted to RHD by Jaguar and used by F. Logan of Jaguar until it was first sold in 1976. A man from Edmonton, Alberta visiting the UK in 1994, purchased the car, changed it back to LHD and had it shipped to Canada. In 1999, the Reynolds-Alberta Museum in Wetaskiwin, Alberta acquired the car and it is now part of their collection.
Greensand exterior with olive interior
Being an early V12 model it carried some design features of the 6 cyl models. It has the correct coachline but is missing the chrome strip above it of the V12 models
Its interesting that it has the chrome strip on the hood that was reserved for only the Daimler models and not added to the Jaguar versions . Leapers were never added by the factory.
Above the side marker is a keyed switch controlling an after market anti theft device that controls a valve in the trunk to shut off fuel
Has the US XJ12C vs euro XJ5.3C badge
There are some really interesting details on this car.
Built with US market 1974 bumpers, but with Euro market outer 7 inch headlights
Early carb V12 with air injection for US market….
…but no cats in the downpipes? Notice how the handbrake cable goes across the width of the car for the LHD conversion……
….also the brake lines have been routed over the radiator in the conversion. This car has the older style brake booster and master cylinder.
The thinner pleats and perforations are for the 6 cyl cars and not used in production V12’s
Fabric on back of seat instead of vinyl in production
Standard center console arrangement
This tach has a unique silver painted trim.
Also, this car has a trim piece that didn’t make it into production. Probably re-thought as it could collect moisture
This triangle trim piece was black and not silver in production
Special thank you to Loren, Cynthia, Justin and Melissa at the Museum for helping me to get access to the car. I recommend this museum to any car enthusiast. Their biggest event is the annual History Road Car Show. This year it is on June 9th and 10th. I hope to attend with my coupe, so look me up if you make it.
