Finding the right XJ-C two door saloon

They are beautiful, rare and still affordable but be quick they are on the rise.

HANDS UP - WE LOVE the XJ-C. It remains the ONLY two door saloon Jaguar has ever built despite plenty of prototypes which were unsold at the time.

If you are looking for a fun Jaguar to enjoy on special occasions, or one which is rare and beautiful, this may be a model for your consideration. Undoubtedly, a good one is a sound investment, and there are plenty of options. Jaguar or Daimler, XK six cylinder or V12.

The ultimate is considered the V12 Jaguar, of which only 603 were created in RHD. 9,378 were built in all variants.

The XJ-C was destined to be Jaguar's answer to the AMX Javelin, Ford Mustang and GM Camaro. It wasn't perceived that way in the US though, and because it had two doors rather than four, buyers there expected it to be less expensive. It wasn't.

It has to be said too that Jaguar didn't perfect the sealing of the rear side window, so a lot of extra time was needed to hand-fettle the rubbers during construction of each vehicle.

That said, the car was popular in most other markets, and is one of the most beautiful Jaguar saloons ever produced.

Its origins date to 1969 when Sir William Lyons had one car constructed in the Experimental Department. It was kept under wraps.

He retired in 1971 and Lofty England took over the daunting role of Jaguar's second CEO. His task was made even tougher because of British Leyland interference, and when asked to give them a new model for the 1973 series of motor shows, he had a tiny batch of two door coupé XJs hand built.