Vehicle Description
This historically important Jaguar is one of only four
factory-backed XJ12C Broadspeed race cars and the most original
survivor.
In March 1976 Leyland Cars announced that the Jaguar marque would
return to the world of international racing with its plans to
contend the European Championship for Touring Cars with two XJ12C
5.3 coupes, which were to be driven by Derek Bell/David Hobbs and
Andy Rouse/Steve Thompson. The cars were built under contract by
Broadspeed Engineering Ltd, a tuning and engineering company
founded by Ralph Broad, which had previously achieved some success
in campaigning MkI BMC Minis and Ford Cologne Capris.
Despite the best efforts of drivers and engineers alike, the cars
were plagued by misfortune and shortcomings in reliability and the
1976 season ended in disappointment. In 1977 two new lightweight
coupes were built to compete with the lighter BMW 3.0 Litre CSL
cars but again Derek Bell and Andy Rouse, along with new drivers
John Fitzpatrick and Tim Schenken, could not overcome the
reliability problems that stemmed from chronic under-investment and
1977 was a repeat of the previous year's disappointment. With
further funding cuts on the horizon, British Leyland discontinued
their support after just two season's racing and so ended the brief
but colourful era of the Broadspeed XJ12C.
The car offered here is a 1977 lightweight car and is the fourth
and last example built. It is also the only one that was fitted and
raced with a dry sump engine in period. Raced by John Fitzpatrick
and Tim Schengen it was one of the more successful cars in
qualifying achieving two second places and a fifth in its three
works races.
Previously owned by the Jaguar Heritage Trust, chassis number four
was sold by the Trust in 1997 to only its second owner who in due
course sold the car on to JD Classics. Having never been restored
or modified, the car remains in totally original condition and to
the same specification as when it competed in its last race in 1977
and provides a fantastic opportunity to acquire a unique part of
Jaguar's racing history.
Please contact us for further details. Price on application.
Period Competition History
1977
Date: 7th August.
Track: Zandvoort.
Race: Zandvoort Trophy.
Drivers: John Fitzpatrick & Tim Schenken.� Car No.5.
Position: Qualified 5th. DNF.
�
Date: 18th September.
Track: Silverstone.
Race: Access RAC Tourist Trophy.
Drivers: John Fitzpatrick & Tim Schenken.� Car No. 2.
Position: Qualified 2nd. DNF.
�
Date: 25th September.
Track: Zolder.
Race: EG Trophy.
Drivers: John Fitzpatrick & Tim Schenken.� Car No.9.
Position: Qualified 2nd. DNF.
�