The XJ series of motorcars were the mainstay of Jaguar cars since 1968 and, in fact, was the last motorcar to have any input by Sir William Lyons, its founder.

After the series I and II, a relatively short run of two-door XJ coupés with a pillarless hardtop body called the XJ-C were built between 1975 and 1978.

The car was actually launched at the London Motor Show in October 1973, but it subsequently became clear that it was not ready for production, the economic troubles unfolding in the western world at this time seem to further reduced any sense of urgency about producing and selling the cars.

They finally started to emerge from Jaguar showrooms only some two years later.

These were priced higher than the four-door car so were immediately relatively exclusive.

The profile of this pillarless coupe is both attractive and elegant.

Presented in good order throughout the body is straight and the door shuts are good.

The British Racing Green paintwork is generally in good order an...