XJ40 - break or preserve?

[ChrisDixon]

Some will say this isn't a dilemma and you should never break a good car. Others are less sentimental. I have a '91 3.2 manual which is fundamentally sound, has done only 55K miles and only needed a rack gaiter and a couple of shock bushes for its MoT. But because its a manual the gearbox alone accounts for at least half the value of the car, and it has been suggested that I break it and sell off the other useful bits, keeping the gearbox for a future XJS V12 conversion project. Up to now I've literally steered away from this by driving the car to remind myself how good it is, but I am coming up against the old chestnut of space constraints. What do you think?

PS - If anyone is interested I know of 2 other XJ40s in Kent that are potential breakers. They are both Sovs (3.6s I think) but one has a cloth interior strangely.

[robv12]

rare car, preserve, easy

[naki]

Chris.

Most of the manuals are already gone, simple to take the gearboxes.
i have tried to save as many as i can. Space is a valuable commodity though.


"its worth more in parts". i hear this statement quoted very often, and it is the case for many 40s/ 300s, not just the manuals.
Its no small deal to properly break a car though. The time and space required to carry it out is significant. Plus then storing all the parts? The space one whole car takes up, then times that by 2 for how much space all the parts take up (if you keep them).

End of the day its your car to do with what you please. But if the body is sound and rot free, sense will say it should be saved. Most of the manuals had a very hard life getting hammered to death. so to find one that has not, it a rare thing indeed.

[ChrisDixon]

Hi Naki, this one definitely hasn't been hammered, it was owned long term by an old boy. So mechanically and structurally its all there, just needed a few things fixing (which you kindly helped supply some of the bits for) and a few cosmetics.

[naki]

Hi Naki, this one definitely hasn't been hammered, it was owned long term by an old boy. So mechanically and structurally its all there, just needed a few things fixing (which you kindly helped supply some of the bits for) and a few cosmetics.

yep, they pretty much all need work now, even low mileage relatively good cars. so business as usual. you just have to have the time and inclination to do it.

you could sell it on if you have lost interest of course.

[db40]

I would say this car is definitely worthy of being preserved.

[ChrisDixon]

I am inclined to agree that the car should be kept intact. My dilemma is that I bought 2 cars at around the same time, the other being an even rarer X300 XJR manual. I think I know which one you'll suggest I keep if I didn't have room for both!

[naki]

You could still sell it complete.
How about sticking some pics up.

[naki]

You could still sell it complete.
How about sticking some pics up.

[ChrisDixon]

Some pics ......

It had new chrome and lights following a minor senior prang apparently

[ChrisDixon]

And a couple more:

The cloth interior, a change from the usual expanse of leather!

ABS and a catalyst but no aircon, or sunroof, but all the electric windows work fine

[naki]

Looks decent as you would expect at this mileage.
I think it's worth advertising, to see if there is any interest.

[PeterDavisX300]

That's a nice car. If the 'Gal' would let me I'd add it to my wee collection. But with a Big-Ford, and another older Jaguar, plus a few Motorcycles...............I think her saying would be, "Aye, that'll be 'shiney-bright'.

[ChrisDixon]

Looks decent as you would expect at this mileage.
I think it's worth advertising, to see if there is any interest.

I thought about it, I did try it at £2K back in the spring but when you can get a good auto for less then maybe that was too much. Trouble is once you get under £1500 you feel you are giving it away and because of the manual box the parts argument rears its head again. I should find a barn and wait a few years I suppose. And do the same with some of my other "future classic" vehicles!