Based on the Series II XJ sedan, the XJ Coupe was a short-lived pillarless hardtop produced from 1975 to 1978. It's often cited as one of the most beautiful designs from Sir William Lyons' era, with a sleek profile uninterrupted by a B-pillar. Fewer than 10,500 were built, split between the 4.2-liter inline-6 (XJ6C) and the 5.3-liter V12 (XJ12C), making them significantly rarer than their sedan counterparts. A standard vinyl roof was fitted to most cars, originally to cover minor imperfections from the body flexing without a central pillar.
The coupe's appeal lies in its combination of rarity, stunning looks, and grand touring capability. The V12 models are particularly sought after for their smooth power delivery, though they are more complex to maintain than the robust inline-6. The car's direct connection to Jaguar's founder and its brief production run give it a special place in the brand's history, setting it apart from more common classics.
Today, the market for the XJ Coupe is strong and highly condition-dependent. While rough project cars can be found for under $10,000, excellent, low-mileage examples have seen their values climb significantly. The average sale price sits around $31,000, but top-tier, restored V12 cars can easily fetch six-figure sums, reflecting a growing appreciation for this elegant and uncommon Jaguar.
Buying Tips
- Rust is the primary concern. Inspect the sills, floor pans, wheel arches, and the areas around the front and rear glass. The vinyl top can trap moisture, so check for bubbling or softness in the roof and C-pillars.
- The pillarless window seals are unique to the coupe and expensive to replace. Check that all four windows seal properly against each other to prevent leaks and excessive wind noise.
- The 5.3L V12 is powerful but demands meticulous maintenance, especially for its complex cooling and ignition systems. The 4.2L inline-6 is a simpler, more durable option that's cheaper to run and repair.
- Lucas electrical systems of the era are notoriously fickle. Test every switch, gauge, and function, paying close attention to the power windows, which have a complex mechanism.
Prices for the Jaguar XJ Coupe range from around $4,500 for project cars to over $165,000 for exceptional, concours-quality examples.
124 Jaguar XJ Coupe vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 13 currently live.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
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