Harry's Garage - Jaguar XJ 5.3C V12 Coupe manual transmission

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

Harry's Garage - Jaguar XJ 5.3C V12 Coupe manual transmission

CdnGMfan · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

A very cool and charming car with style. They came out in '74, essentially replacing the XK-E coupe that was dropped for '74. The next year they dropped the remaining XK-E, the roadster, and replaced it with the XJS coupe for '75. The V12s in North America XJ12, XJ12-C & the XJS came with those alloy wheels that are shown on that car. All the XJ-Cs came with black vinyl roof covers

The Jags used the excellent TH400 with the V12 if I remember correctly. Better than the Warner automatics. I have never heard of an XJ12-C with a manual transmission, but I have heard of XJ6-C coupes in Europe having them. I like how Harry says the manual trans transforms the car. Why do you think I always buy manuals and lament them disappearing?

The V12s were not big sellers due to the cost, but also because of the fuel consumption. People were figuring the world would run out of oil within 25 years. That was 46 years ago.

The sound of a V12 at throttle is music, while the sound of electric vehicle is what? Soul-less. I wouldn't thank you for an electric vehicle, though it appears that they are about to be rammed down our throats. I was nearly run down by a silent e-bike on the sidewalk 3 days ago.

Thanks for posting this video, Ray.

64PARCONUK · Addicted!

I've watched most of Harry's videos but not this one. I grew tired of his style, as I have with many you-tubers, but I'm sure many people would not even complete a whole video done by me!

The coupe was always an attractive car and an old friend had one for many years. They used to be really cheap here and are still very reasonably priced. I'd hazard a guess that the Daimler V12 version would be the best investment, it's certainly the rarest.

I bought my first Jaguar in my fifties. Everyone thought I was mad and it took quite a while to convince the wife. I had the first one for 18 years and, putting aside fuel consumption, it was considerably cheaper per year than everyone else's daily drivers because it was actually quite reliable and had less depreciation. I've had my second one (not counting a half share I had in a '68 340) for nearly six years now and it's been even better, plus the fuel consumption is greatly improved. It does however eat control arms for breakfast (I haven't yet found a way to replace bushes individually) but that's pretty common with modern cars here, probably because of all the potholes and the ultra low profile tyres!

My dad of course would be turning in his grave. He thought I should have nothing bigger than a Contour sized car.

I have a friend in Nanaimo that I think just bought a Coupe, I'll ask how he's getting on and report back..............

Pontiacanada · A Poncho Legend!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b715R99kifE

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

CdnGMfan wrote:
The sound of a V12 at throttle is music,....

Thanks for posting this video, Ray.

And this was at a a time when a Trans Am had 6.6 litres and 220 HP and a likely more comparable car the Grand Am had 150 HP from 4.9 litres. The Corvette's top speed in '78 was 123 mph.

Here is a luscious V12 Coupe capable of 150 mph. Deserves respect.