Hi, in my garage is my grandfather's 420. He purchased it new. My parents drove it for years. The wife told me it has to go. I have crazy complete maintenance records - see dropbox link https://www.dropbox.com/sh/k5pppvg7d...mZvvvacNa?dl=0. In 2018 $17,900 of engine work was done. It was last painted in 2010. The automatic transmission does not shift into third (high) gear and the speedometer cable has not been connected for years. How do I figure out what it is worth and how do I sell it? Thanks, Chris

 

Here in the UK, most people would put the car into a classic car auction, there are lots here but I don't know what the situation is in the US. Normally the auctioneers will indicate an estimate for bidding. Also one can put a car up as "no reserve". I suspect there will be classic car auctions in California. These cars are very difficult to value as there weren't many made in the first place, and very few now left at all. The shape is the precursor to the XJ6 of 1968. It might be best to join a local branch of whatever Jaguar club is operating in California. The fault with the transmission will inevitably affect value.

 

Hi Chris,
I wanted to send you a PM about the 420 but I can't because you are too new to the forum. But anyway here goes;

Jaguar 420 are very hard to sell and don't go for a lot of money, sorry. Ones with needs sell between $3,000 to $5,000. Very nice ones sell for around $15,000 to $18,000. A former Jaguar Club of NA Concours winner sold for $16,000.
There are six to seven 420's for sale in NA at this time that I know of. Some are for sale by dealers and others by individuals. The dealers usually ask high dollars and after about a year they start lowering the price until they sell. Sometimes it takes 2 to 5 years. Dealer offer you very little for them.

Options that were available on the 420 were:
Auto trans (majority sold in NA came with Auto)
Manual trans with Overdrive (rare and desirable)
A/C - trunk mounted (More people want cars with A/C now a days, we are spoiled)
Tinted glass - came with factory installed A/C vs dealer installed A/C
Chrome wire wheels (desirable)
Heated rear window (NY State required them around 1967)

In no particular order places to sell would be Hemmings Auctions, Bring A Trailer, Mecum auctions, Lucky Auctions, RM Auction and other auction houses. Hemmings auction and Bring A Trailer should have the lowest cost to you. But you need to be involved in answering questions and have many high quality pictures of minor details - interior, exterior, engine and under the car (car up on a lift). Also you will want videos of cold start, walk around and driving if possible. you should look at some of the auctions on Bring A Trailer web site.

Things that will hurt your car is the transmission issue, you can’t hop in it and drive home across the country. Shipping a car cross country will run about $1,200 open trailer to $3,800 enclosed trailer. The paint issues, speedo cable not hooked up, dash pad covered (is it ripped), no A/C, wire wheels and other issues can hurt its value. How old are the tires? New tires of the correct size are about $200 to $300 each. Tire prices for older cars have gone way up in the last couple of years. if you don’t care about maintaining the original size there are other cheaper options.

Positive things that will help your car are one family owned since new, maintenance documents from new, known milage with documentation and engine rebuild. All good things. Do you have the Jaguar Heritage certificate for your car? https://www.jaguarheritage.com/archi.../certificates/

I hope this helps?


P.S. Just to be upfront, I am looking for a 420. I love the looks. My preference would be one with a 4 speed overdrive transmission. What color is your car? Costwold Blue or Opalescent Silver Blue?

 

Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I will look for an auctioneer. - Chris

 

Thanks for your detailed post! The tire replacement is detailed in the maintenance records. The color of the car is blue. There are photos of the car in the drop box folder with the maintenance records. I will apply for a Jaguar Heritage certificate. Here is the link to the dropbox folder: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/k5pppvg7d...mZvvvacNa?dl=0 Cheers! - Chris

 

Hey Chris,

I have no idea what could have been done for nearly $18,000 on that engine. Depending on the body condition the car is worth about 13-20k in drivable condition, so less than that. You can pick up a reman tranny or have it rebuilt and make a better return. I don't know how your wife feels about that. My cars are off our mutual territory....LOL ;-)