Buying a '75 XJ12 Coupe

[kjk1956]

Can anyone guide me on the important areas for inspection when considering to buy an XJ12C?

I know the Series 2 XJ6 quite well, as I have my father's car which was purchased new. I urged him to buy the new V12 Coupe that sat in the showroom, but the 4 doors were more family-friendly. That lasted until the Lucas electronic igniter (U.S. car) failed two months later, we discovered Lumenition, and Dad bought an Oldsmobile for daily use! The early V12 is intimidating when you open the hood...sorry, bonnet.

The car I'm considering has had considerable mechanical updates and is well maintained. I've pulled the carpets and seats, looking for typical coupe rust. Fellow member input on the early XJ V12 engine is greatly appreciated.

Also, as an American, my complements to everyone supporting Spares Day at Stoneleigh. My wife and I flew from Los Angeles for the event, and I had a great time! She is still shaking her head, but she had a great time while in London. I have not yet told here of the October event!

Thanks for input.

Kevin Kinnaw
Torrance, CA USA
'69 E-type
'75 XJ6L 4.2

[almcl]

Kevin

Sounds like a nice car!

I think a V12 coupe would be a very desirable vehicle, especially in California. The usual V12 caveats apply: overheating causes damage but otherwise it is quite a robust engine.

I understand that the draught and weathers seals for the door/window can be difficult to source on that side of the Atlantic and of course the doors can drop.

Does the car you are looking at have a vinyl roof? Some have reported corrosion underneath the plastic skin.

Keith Parrington who is the forum co-ordinator of the XJ series in the national magazine has a business restoring Series XJs and his website has some interesting photos of both 4 and 2 door restorations:
http://www.xjrestorations.co.uk/

[David27]

Kevin
Good luck with the XJ12C, sounds like a good buy. Surely rust won't be a problem out in sunny California? I've got a '79 series III XJ12 LWB saloon which is giving me all sorts of headaches getting it going again after 2.5 years off the road - but I still love it! My wife's not so keen having seen £100's go south on it! My main issues relate to the fuel injection system which I think was one of the early types because my car is the first of the series III I believe. I've now found a local mechanic willing to take it on so things are looking up after several false starts.

Best wishes and I hope you enjoy your open top motoring. P.S. What are the fuel prices like in the states these days? Pretty cheap I hope at 12mpg!!!

David