1976 Jaguar XJ12C Broadspeed Works Competition Car
Details
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.
