I have wanted an early “low bumper” XJ6 for a long time, and this car caught my eye on the local CL. Despite having had two owners in the last six months, both quite young, it was a one-owner car before that. Even in the crappy photos it looked pretty original. I like original!
It has just 75,000 miles on it and drives nicely. The interior has a nice, lived-in-but-cared-for patina. Headliner aside, it largely intact and in good condition. And that’s a genuine BL radio, which still works, as does the clock!
Mechanically it needs:
- A new coolant overflow tank, this one has corroded under its upper lip and no longer holds pressure.
- The front brake rotors are clearly warped.
- One of the exhaust donuts is blowing–I hate doing exhaust work, but it should be straightforward.
- I drove the car home on the left fuel tank, and made it 60 miles before the car quit with what felt like a fuel delivery problem. Switched to the right tank and made it the rest of the way without incident. I’m guessing it’s either the fuel pump for the left tank (I think they still had separate pumps for this model year) or…? Will have to poke around and find out.
- The A/C system is present and nothing seems seized, but it needs a charge. Not sure if that can be done without retrofitting some pieces as the new refrigerant available today doesn’t like old systems, or vice versa, from what I understand.
- The passenger front door glass isn’t going up and down, that should be easy enough to sort out.
Cosmetically, the paint is tired but serviceable (the photos flatter it a lot). There is a horizontal ding just above the grille that’s annoying, but I’m not sure what I’ll be doing about it at this point. The interior definitely needs a new headliner, this one is thumb-tacked into place where it’s not flapping around. As a bonus, the Jaguar Patented Crumbling Headrests (as seen on every S2 and S3 E-Type) are in present in this car. I hope these can be fixed without too much pain.
In any case, I’m pleased with the car. I poked around it a bit tonight and I cannot find any rust, which is something of a miracle, seeing as I’m not much older than the car and you can practically see me fall apart minute-by minute.
Nice find. I agree the original is the nicest looking.
You’re nuts, but I’ve already said that many times. Did the MG find a new home yet? Hows the “Imaginary car” coming along?
Inquiring minds…
I like this car. It has a friendly personality. And so far it does not seem to make any weird sounds like that other one.
Roger,
You are a brave man to take that Jaguar sedan on. I am not so brave, so have older (’91 and ’92 respectively) Civic Si and Integra GSR, neither of which have many crying needs.
These are the last classic Jaguar, IMO.
Madness. Madness.
Looks great! I just bought my first Jag (2002 S type) and would love to own a real classic like this one day.
A splendid piece. They are great cars and still ridiculously undervalued, which is rapidly changing.
What a great blog, btw.