www.jec.org.uk

Hi,

I am starting to come to the conclusion that the original colour of my car was black whereas I had thought it had been a cream colour under the current BRG.

So I was wondering, as there's different dated parts on my car, if this may give me a clue as to the possible year(s) or manufacture that black was offered? or was it always a colour option?

thanks

you do not say what year of car, this would help

I would then suggest a Jaguar Heritage trace on the car which will give you the "birth" details of the car

http://www.jaguarheritage.org/Products/ ... icate.aspx

Also is there a paint code on the chassis plate anywhere, this would enable a match to be made

here's a link to some old paint codes which may help

http://www.autopaintsbrighton.co.uk/jag ... -615-p.asp

hope this helps a bit

Hello 43v8s,

the book, Original Jaguar MK1 and MK2 lists black as a colour for all models and with the rider that any Jaguar colour from any model could be specified by the buyer.

Alec

Thanks. Yes I bought that book but I interpreted it that black was only a standard colour for 67-69 but that must have been wrong I guess. It would seem likely a colour that was available every year.

the reason I cant ascertain the year is because I cant actually find any identifying marks on the car at all. It has front GRP wings so I suspect the bonnet slam panel may also have been replaced and has no vin stamping that I can see, and there is no data plate anywhere in the engine bay that I can see. The car is not its original colour and was imported I think since it was only registered in 2005 according to the V5. I think when it was registered some of the info used was maybe not right regarding the year and model etc hence I'm trying to piece together exactly what I have here!

Hello 4V8s,

it does list black as a colour from the Mk 1 through to the Daimler and all years.

Normally there is a black painted brass plate on the inner left wing (could be the other side for left hand drive?) but as it is only riveted on yours could be missing? The slam panel stamping is not very distinct especially if there are many layers of paint, it is adjacent to the bonnet catch.

Alec

Hi

Try under the back seat, there should be a body number plate in one of the seat wells, although if the spring hangers have been replaced, it could be that the seat well has also been replaced.

thanks all good tips.

I did check under the rear seat but couldnt see a plate and it looks like there has been some welding repairs both sides in the past.

I will strip off the paint on the slam panel just in case there is a number under there.

What I have found so far is:

it has a 3.4 engine with the later fluted style cam covers.

It has the earlier big bumpers rather than the later thin ones, and the rear valance seems to match this ie has a large recess for the bumper and looks original. So must be a mk2 and not a 240/340?

The interior seats are not the originals, I reckon they are from a series 1 or 2 XJ and have headrests, but I am thinking to keep these rather than return to original as they are comfy and recline and have headrests. What do people think?

The doors all have glass dating in 1966 or 67, cant remember now, but the rear windscreen has a date mark of 1961.

The front footwells have the metal fittings for carpets so I think this is also an earlier thing?

Are there any other obvious clues I could find that may indicate the approx date of the body/chassis?

BAsically I am thinking its either a 67 car, a late Mk2 (most likely) or a much earlier 1960/61 car with a later engine in it.

Hello 4V8s,

as you have the book Original Jaguar Mk 1 and 2, I suggest you look at the section that lists the production changes. I would imagine that quite some detective work is required, but may give a definitive date? As you say the door glass is much newer than the rear screen but to me it's more likely that the doors would be swapped rather than a rear screen, not a certainty but other similar clues may give some more evidence?

Alec

thanks yeah Ive trawled through that, it does take detective work like you say. I couldnt really determine anything meaningfull to differentiate on my car from 60/61 to 67. Just was wondering if there was anything obviousl or easy to see to help date that I might have missed.

I agree, suspect the doors may have been changed as now I think of it, I dont see evidence of them having been black but will check again.

So its the rear screen thats throwing me now as if it is the original it suggests the car / body is from '60 or '61 not 67/68 as assumed and as registered.