Forever undervalued – the big Jaguar 420G represents grace, pace and space turned up to 11…
Every week, we’re highlighting an auction bargain that we reckon was well bought. Thanks to our friends at Classic Car Weekly, and its roving classic car auction reporter, Richy Barnett, we’ll bring you some interesting classics at much lower-than-expected prices. This week, we’re looking at a Jaguar 420G that was sold below expectations – making it a cheap example of an already undervalued car.
Car 1970 Jaguar 420G
Sold for £7875
Original estimate £9000-£12,000
H&H Classic car auctions
Long story short: It’s a polarising car – and that holds back values
There are many people who simply don’t ‘get’ it and that’s usually because of its generous dimensions. The Jaguar MkX was launched in 1961 but late in 1966 it was re-badged as the 420G and bar some trim differences the later car was nigh-on identical to its predecessor. Unashamedly larger than the S-type and Mk2 it was clearly chasing the American market, where the company’s sports cars and earlier saloons had proved popular.
It offers better value than the Mk2, making this a smarter buy. If you have the space there is much to like. It’s unmistakably a Jaguar both outside and inside, but clearly on a bigger scale. It’s got the XK engine in 4.2-litre guise, so you’ll have no problems getting spares or finding a Jaguar specialist to work on it. The independent rear suspension gives a ride only Jaguar had – comfortable, cosseting, noise-suppressing, but also offering good handling. Then there’s the interior, where wood and leather come to the fore, with seriously wide front seats.
This example had all the right history – and TLC. It’s been in dry storage for 25 years, and was thought to have been in one family’s ownership until 2019 when bought by the vendor. Since then there had been some brake re-commissioning work, including rear brake calipers, brake pads and handbrake pads, as well as a carburettor overhaul, door seals and front and rear screen rubbers. It presented well, with seemingly good panel fit and still good deep red paint. The grey leather interior had lasted well, although the seats needed some feeding and some of the wood veneer was going home, but in both cases that added to this car’s character.
Jaguar 420G price guide
Concours £15,000+
Good £8000-12,000
Usable £4000-8000
Project £2000-4000
THIS CAR £7825
Well bought Jaguar 420G: The verdict
Great price on a classic that’s already cruelly overlooked
It’s cheaper – and more fun – than a Silver Shadow. With as much presence as a Silver Cloud or early Silver Shadow (and driving better) this was a cracking offering, well bought.
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