2007-08-12 07:17:31 | pauls writes:

Ebay item 8/12/07
cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jaguar-JAGUAR-420-SEDAN-SEDAN-1967-JAGUAR-420-SEDAN-CLAS ...
Current bid $1,736 reserve not met, 3 bids, 9 days left in auction.

Sellers description:
VERY RARE outstanding 1967 JAGUAR 420 SEDAN. If you are not aware of the special nature of this vehicle, it was Jaguar's attempt at offering a sport saloon in the mid-size range of the times. The 420 featured a 4.2 litre engine also used in the XKE which with two carburetors developed 245 hp. It has four wheel power disc brakes, independent four wheel suspension ( also from XKE), Variomatic (variable effort) power steering, alternator with electronic regulator and was similar in mechanical detail to the S type sedan. However, the 420 initiated the four headlight design and grill used in the later XJ6 as well as current sedans. Very few of this model survived of the 976 dispatched to the USA. A total of 9801 420's were manufactured with 2629 left hand drive.

This particular car is nearly a time capsule that is one of the very few 976 USA cars to survive. The car came out of a Pennsylvania estate and was properly cared for and stored over the years in a climate controlled garage, which explains its outstanding condition. The pictures you will see are not of a car that has been detailed for photos. This is exactly the condition the car was in when it came out of the estate excet for the conversion of the original air conditioner to R134.

This car is one of the nicest low mileage 1967 unrestored examples available anywhere. The car has been driven only 80,491miles, which is an annual average of a shade over 2,000 mile per year. I have personally driven this car 40 miles to my home as well as another 50 miles of local driving with no problems whatsoever. I have had the fuel system cleaned and the car runs very well once it is warmed up, which is traditional with these cars. I have the original owner's packet with the car including the owner's manual, Becker radio booklet and warrantee, large service poster, etc. The vinyl packet is as new.

The car is finished in black, with the coordinating original bisquit-colored leather upholstery. The leather is outstanding for its age and supple. There are some spots where the dye is rubbed off on the bottom of the driver's seat, but there are no tears whatsoever. The original coordinating tan Wilton wool carpeting is very nice. All of the burlwood trim is in good original condition but could use refinishing if you want this to be a concours example. The paint has an excellent lustre and depth. The finish is good with some spidering from age. The chrome is excellent and all glass is clear. The clip at the base of the rear windshield trim is missing, but I have that on order and it will go to the new owner.

In terms of body integrity, everything is solid. It appears that there was a minor body repair to the eyebrow above the right headlight at one time. I detected only a small bit of surface rust upon inspection.

In terms of mechanical condition, the car starts immediately at the push of the starter button. Idle is smooth and the car runs well. The transmission shifts well and the ride is solid. The power of the 4.2 liter engine is legendary and this car will only improve as it is driven more. There are no leaks of any kind to deal with. I have cruised effortlessly at 65 - 70 mph this morning prior to photographing the car. When the engine is cold, the car is a bit sluggish, but that disappears once at good operating temperature. Exhaust and brakes are excellent. The car's very rare dealer-installed rear mounted A/C blows ice cold and has been converted to R-134.

So, it's an old Jaguar and you want to know what doesn't work? Two things: the horn and the Becker Europa TR radio. Everything else works. ALL OF THE INSTRUMENTS WORK!

You will be hard pressed to find a better 420 sedan anywhere at this time. This is an excellent example. Contrary to the ebay "Pre-filled" options, this car does not have a cassette, power seats or sunroof.