Jaguar XJ Series 1
The Jaguar XJ Series 1 is celebrated as the last saloon designed by Sir William Lyons, combining timeless styling with a famously supple ride. It remains an affordable entry point for collectors seeking classic British luxury.
Find one with Spotter →Jaguar XJ Series 1 sold for a median of $8,106 over the last 12 months, based on 10 auction sales; the middle 50% sold between $5,638 and $12,195. 36 currently for sale.
Launched in 1968, the XJ Series 1 was the last Jaguar saloon with direct design input from founder Sir William Lyons. It consolidated Jaguar's sedan lineup into a single, modern platform celebrated for its exceptional ride quality and handling. Initial power came from the proven XK inline-6 in 2.8L and 4.2L forms, with the 5.3L V12 arriving in 1972, creating the world's only mass-produced V12 four-door at the time.
Collectors prize the Series 1 for its pure design, particularly its slim bumpers and classic grille, which were altered in later series. It represents the final expression of a classic Jaguar aesthetic before British Leyland's influence became more apparent. The Daimler Sovereign and Vanden Plas variants offer added luxury, while the XJ12 is the most desirable for its performance and rarity.
The market for the Series 1 is still very approachable, with an average sale price around $10,000. Project cars can be found for just a few thousand dollars, but restoration costs, especially for rust and interior work, can quickly surpass the car's value. Well-preserved, low-mileage 4.2L and V12 cars command the highest prices, but they remain a great value compared to other classic luxury sedans of the era.
Buying Tips
- Rust is the primary concern. Thoroughly inspect the sills, jacking points, floor pans, front and rear valances, and around the windscreens.
- The 4.2L inline-6 is the preferred six-cylinder engine. Check for oil leaks and signs of overheating. The V12 is powerful but complex and very sensitive to a neglected cooling system.
- Lucas electrical systems are notoriously fickle. Test all switches, gauges, and lights, as tracing faults can be time-consuming.
- The independent rear suspension is key to the car's ride. Check for worn bushings, tired dampers, and leaks from the inboard rear brakes, which are labor-intensive to service.
- Interior restoration is expensive. Look for cracked dashboard veneer, sagging headliners, and worn leather upholstery.
Prices for the Jaguar XJ Series 1 range from under $2,000 for projects to over $25,000 for the best V12 and low-mileage examples.
153 Jaguar XJ Series 1 vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 36 currently live.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Jaguar XJ Series 1 cost?
Over the last 12 months, Jaguar XJ Series 1 sold for a median of $8,106 across 10 auction sales tracked on Hypercars; the middle 50% sold between $5,638 and $12,195. There are 36 currently for sale.
How many Jaguar XJ Series 1 listings are for sale right now?
There are 36 Jaguar XJ Series 1 listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.