Jaguar 420 MOD

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To those in the know, the 420 is perhaps the ultimate classic Jaguar saloon.

The fabulous front end styling was like a scaled down MkX and the 4.2-litre engine was virtually to E-Type spec, producing 245bhp and 283lb/ft of torque. The magic 100mph was comfortably achieved and further refinements included notably quick steering, dual circuit brakes, alternator electrics and the famed Jaguar IRS.

Priced at £2,064 including tax, it was less than half the price of a Bristol 410 Saloon and less than one-third of the price of a contemporary T-Series Bentley and yet was easily the equal of both these cars. Only in production from 1966 to 1968, just 10,236 were produced so it is also comparatively rare. All the more remarkable then, that it is so humbly valued today.

This particular 420 manual (with overdrive) was first registered in April 1968 and was acquired by the current owner in March 2017 to add to his considerable private collection. However, reaching storage limitations, this and a number of other classics in today’s sale have been given their marching orders to help slim the collection.

The chrome looks smart but the bodywork has scope for general improvement. We understand the car drives as it should and the leather interior looks to be original and generally tidy with pleasing time-worn patina.

Although it is in running order it has not seen much regular use in recent times with but a few hundred miles covered between annual MOT tests over the last four or five years. The history file contains a selection of invoices dating back to 1985 as well as an invoice for new exhaust manifolds in August 2017 and new steering column bushes and universal joint in August 2018. 

It has a current MOT until August 2019 which shows five advisories, but would doubtless benefit from some recommissioning before being put back into regular use. XPX 285F comes with an owner’s handbook, old invoices, numerous old MOTs and current V5C.