
Jaguar XJ 5.3 Coupe (1975-77)
Production Total: The total production of the Jaguar XJ 5.3 Coupe 2-door, also known as the XJ12C, was approximately **8,378 units**.
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Price New: In 1975, the new price of a Jaguar XJ 5.3 Coupe in the UK was approximately £5,100.
The new price of a Jaguar XJ 5.3 Coupe in 1975 was approximately **£6,000**. Adjusted for inflation to 2025, this would roughly equate to **£45,000**.
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Rivals: In 1975, the main rivals to the Jaguar XJ 5.3 Coupe had the following approximate new prices in the UK:
### Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC
- **Price**: Around £10,000
### BMW 3.0 CSL
- **Price**: Around £8,000
### Porsche 911 Carrera
- **Price**: Around £9,000
### Aston Martin V8
- **Price**: Around £14,000
These prices reflect the competitive landscape of luxury sports cars during that era.
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Recorded in the UK 2025
As of 2025, there are approximately **58 Jaguar XJ 5.3 Coupes** recorded on UK roads.
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PLEASE NOTE: The information provided below is given in averages across Northern Ireland at the date specified. Petrol reflects average prices for four star fuel in litres.
Road Tax: In 1975, the road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) for a Jaguar XJ 5.3 Coupe in the UK was based on the engine size. For cars with engines over 1549cc, like the Jaguar XJ 5.3 Coupe, the annual road tax was approximately **£40**.
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Petrol: In 1975, the average price of four-star petrol in the UK was approximately **16.1 pence per litre**.
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Insurance: I couldn't find the exact average cost of insurance for a Jaguar XJ 5.3 Coupe in the UK in 1975. However, insurance costs for classic cars like the Jaguar XJ 5.3 Coupe can vary widely based on factors such as the driver's age, location, and driving history.
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COMMON FAULTS
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.
The Jaguar XJ 5.3 Coupe, like many classic cars, has its share of common faults. Here are some of the issues that owners might encounter:
### Common Faults:
1. **Electrical Issues**: Problems with the electrical system, including faulty wiring and malfunctioning switches.
2. **Cooling System**: Overheating due to issues with the radiator, water pump, or thermostat.
3. **Rust and Corrosion**: Rust can be a significant problem, especially in the wheel arches, sills, and floor pans.
4. **Suspension**: Worn suspension components, such as bushings and ball joints, can lead to poor handling and ride quality.
5. **Oil Leaks**: Oil leaks from the engine or transmission are common and can be challenging to fix.
6. **Fuel System**: Issues with the fuel pump or fuel injectors can cause poor performance and starting problems.
7. **Brakes**: Worn brake pads and discs can lead to reduced braking performance.
Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help mitigate these issues and keep the Jaguar XJ 5.3 Coupe running smoothly.
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Generations/Trim Levels
Please Note: Generations and Trim Levels Across Countries
Generations and trim levels of vehicles often vary between countries as manufacturers tailor models to meet the preferences and requirements of specific markets. For example, a trim level designated as “GL” in the UK might be labelled as “XS” in another country. Due to these regional differences, the information provided on this site pertains exclusively to UK-specific products.
The Jaguar XJ 5.3 Coupe, also known as the XJ12C, was part of the Series II generation of the Jaguar XJ line-up. The Series II was produced from 1973 to 1979, with the XJ12C specifically manufactured between 1975 and 1977.
Trim Levels:
1. **Base Model**: The standard version of the XJ12C.
2. **Sovereign**: A more luxurious trim with additional features and higher-quality materials.
These trim levels offered a range of options for buyers, catering to different preferences and needs.
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Engine
The Jaguar XJ 5.3 Coupe was fitted with a **5.3-litre V12 engine**. This engine was naturally aspirated and produced around **285 horsepower** and **400 Nm of torque**. It was paired with a **3-speed automatic transmission**.
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Performance
The Jaguar XJ 5.3 Coupe offered impressive performance for its time:
- **Engine**: 5.3-litre V12
- **Power**: 285 bhp (213 kW) at 5,500 rpm
- **Torque**: 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) at 3,500 rpm
- **Top Speed**: Approximately 140 mph (225 km/h)
- **0-60 mph**: Around 7.6 seconds
These figures highlight the strong performance capabilities of the Jaguar XJ 5.3 Coupe, making it a formidable competitor in the luxury sports car market of its era.
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Rivals
In 1975, the main rivals to the Jaguar XJ 5.3 Coupe offered the following performance:
### Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC
- **Engine**: 4.5-litre V8
- **Power**: 225 bhp
- **Top Speed**: Approximately 130 mph
- **0-60 mph**: Around 8.5 seconds
### BMW 3.0 CSL
- **Engine**: 3.0-litre inline-6
- **Power**: 206 bhp
- **Top Speed**: Approximately 137 mph
- **0-60 mph**: Around 6.9 seconds
### Porsche 911 Carrera
- **Engine**: 2.7-litre flat-6
- **Power**: 210 bhp
- **Top Speed**: Approximately 140 mph
- **0-60 mph**: Around 6.1 seconds
### Aston Martin V8
- **Engine**: 5.3-litre V8
- **Power**: 310 bhp
- **Top Speed**: Approximately 160 mph
- **0-60 mph**: Around 6.0 seconds
These performance figures highlight the competitive landscape of luxury sports cars during that era.
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Designer/Dimensions
The Jaguar XJ 5.3 Coupe, also known as the XJ12C, was designed with input from **Sir William Lyons**, the founder of Jaguar.
### Dimensions of the Jaguar XJ 5.3 Coupe:
- **Wheelbase**: 2,864 mm (112.8 in)
- **Length**: 4,960 mm (195.3 in)
- **Width**: 1,770 mm (69.7 in)
- **Height**: 1,380 mm (54.3 in).
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Spares/Specialists NI
### Locating Spares for Jaguar XJ 5.3 Coupe in the UK and Ireland
You can find spare parts for your Jaguar XJ 5.3 Coupe at the following sources:
- [Autodoc](https://www.autodoc.co.uk/spares/jaguar/xj/xj-coupe/3147-5-3): Offers a wide range of parts for the Jaguar XJ Coupe 5.3.
- [Sparepartstore24](https://www.sparepartstore24.co.uk/jaguar-spares/xj-coupe/6840): Provides affordable and high-quality spare parts for the Jaguar XJ Coupe 5.3.
- [123spareparts](https://www.123spareparts.co.uk/car-brands/jaguar/xj-coupe-parts): An online catalogue with a vast selection of car parts for the Jaguar XJ Coupe.
### Garage Services in Northern Ireland
There are several garages in Northern Ireland that specialize in maintaining Jaguars, including the XJ 5.3 Coupe:
- [Stephen Groves Jaguar Specialist](https://www.stephen-groves.co.uk/): Located in Hillsborough, they offer a wide range of car repairs and servicing for all Jaguar models.
- [Blakely Vehicle Services](https://blakelyvehicleservices.co.uk/): An independent Jaguar specialist in Dromore, providing car dealer, repair, and other related services.
- [Andrew Lindsay Specialist Cars](http://andrewlindsayspecialistcars.com/): Based in Ballygowan, they have over 20 years of experience in servicing Jaguars and Aston Martins.
- [Donnelly Jaguar Dungannon](https://www.donnellygroup.co.uk/jaguar/): A Jaguar specialist showroom in Dungannon, offering expert advice, service, and parts.
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Racing
The Jaguar XJ 5.3 Coupe did compete in racing. The most notable racing version was the **Broadspeed Jaguar XJ12C**, which was modified to meet Group 2 International Racing regulations. The car participated in the **1976 European Touring Car Championship (ETCC)**. Despite facing development challenges and competition from lighter rivals, the Broadspeed Jaguar XJ12C made a significant impact on the racing scene.
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Valuation
The value of a Jaguar XJ 5.3 Coupe in the UK today can vary based on its condition, mileage, and history. On average, a well-maintained Jaguar XJ 5.3 Coupe can be valued between **£19,999 and £34,500**.
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Clubs
There are clubs available for Jaguar XJ 5.3 Coupe owners in Northern Ireland. The [Jaguar Enthusiasts' Club](https://jec.org.uk/regions/ni) has a dedicated section for Jaguar owners in Northern Ireland. They organize events, meetups, and provide a platform for Jaguar enthusiasts to connect and share their passion.
Additionally, the [Jaguar Drivers' Club](https://www.jaguardriver.co.uk/) is another great option. They have a presence in Northern Ireland and offer a wealth of knowledge, events, and a community for Jaguar owners.
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