2026-08-16 15:20:39 | pauls writes:

Car at auction 8/26
www.tradeclassics.com/auctions/jaguar/1968-jaguar-420-2/

1968 Jaguar 420
Trade Classics - Online, UK
12 - 27 August, 2026
Lot 3896
Mileage ~21,605 on the Clock Colour Red Interior Colour Beige Interior Trim Leather Chassis # P1F-6488-BW Engine # 7F-8944-8 Restored Yes - 1990s Engine Rebuild Yes - 1990s MOT No - exempt MOT Exempt Yes Road Tax Exempt Yes LHD or RHD RHD Visited Yes Owned 50+ years Vehicle Registration MCD 819F Auction ID 3896

Purchased in 1976, the Jaguar has long since become part of the family, including playing a role in both his daughter’s and son’s weddings. Around 35 years ago it underwent a substantial restoration, including a bare-metal respray and an engine rebuild.

Today, it presents as an attractive and honest classic that has clearly been enjoyed rather than simply stored away. Its deep red paintwork, plentiful chrome, and wire wheels give it tremendous period presence, while the largely original interior carries the character you would expect from a car of this age.

Most importantly, this 420 remains a lovely car to drive. The engine sounds strong, the steering feels good, and the all-round disc brakes perform well. After half a century of ownership, Stuart feels the time has come for somebody else to enjoy the Jaguar and continue its story.

The bodywork presents well overall following the restoration carried out approximately 35 years ago. The panels retain the 420's elegant lines and appear smart for their age.

There are a couple of small dinks around the body, along with the sort of minor imperfections expected from a classic that has been enjoyed since its restoration.

Finished in a rich deep red, the Jaguar underwent a bare-metal respray as part of its restoration approximately 35 years ago.

Considering the age of the paintwork, it continues to present well and retains a pleasing depth and shine. Naturally, there are some age-related marks and imperfections to be found on closer inspection.

The extensive chrome work is an important part of the 420's appearance, from the large front grille and bumpers through to the window surrounds, door furniture and Jaguar bonnet mascot.

The brightwork presents attractively overall, with some signs of age, while the glass appears in keeping with the car's well-preserved but regularly enjoyed presentation.

The Jaguar retains its original light-coloured interior, giving the cabin plenty of period character. The seats are beginning to show their age, with visible creasing, wear, and discolouration in places, particularly across the front seats.

The carpets similarly show signs of age and use.

Dashboard
The traditional wood-veneered dashboard remains one of the highlights of the 420's cabin, housing the Smiths instrumentation and period switchgear.

There is some age-related wear and deterioration to the wood finish, but the overall presentation retains plenty of originality and character. We have been advised that the temperature gauge is currently not working.

The Jaguar’s straight-six engine was rebuilt as part of the restoration carried out approximately 35 years ago. Today, Mike reports that the engine remains strong, running smoothly and sounding particularly good with no concerning noises noted.

Disc brakes are fitted all round and perform well, providing reassuring stopping power and complementing the car’s grand touring nature.
The electrical equipment presents largely in keeping with the age and originality of the car. One known issue is the temperature gauge, which is not currently working, and will require investigation by the next owner. The car showed no signs of overheating during our drive on a very hot day.

The brake fluid level sender unit works only intermittently, and has therefore been disconnected. This does not affect braking performance and only provides a signal for low brake fluid levels.
The history includes the original service book, providing an important link back to the Jaguar’s earlier years, alongside an impressive collection of period tax discs accumulated over its lifetime.

The car was also comprehensively restored around 35 years ago, including a bare-metal respray and engine rebuild, while its MOT records show approximately 4,000 miles have been covered since November 2005. Together, the documentation and remarkable long-term ownership help tell the story of a Jaguar that has remained part of the same family for half a century.