My first old Jaguar

[Dunks]

Thanks for your comments on this, I've just managed to get to the engine number and it matches the log book. 8S064322SA...any ideas? Thanks, Duncan.

[davidr]

8S at the beginning means it is a standard 5.3 HE engine.
SA at the end means 11.5:1 compression ratio and A spec piston/bore clearance.
Middle numbers are the serial number of the engine
Looking at the photo and referring to the above that is a standard 5.3 with Marelli ignition that you would expect to be fitted to a 1989 car.
XJR-S cars had an uprated 6ltr engine from around September 1989.
Hope that helps
David

[davidr]

Duncan - I would expect your VIN number to start SAJJNAE(V?)3B etc
SAJ = manufacturer (Jaguar)
J = marque (Jaguar)
N = XJ-S
A = baseline
E = Bodytype (Coupe)
V? = engine type - could be between V and Z - V is my guess
3 = Auto RHD
B = Model (HE Coupe)
Emissions control spec
Serial number

Hopefully that matches!
Please don't reply with your full VIN as this is a public forum!

[Dunks]

Thanks very much for the info David, your assumption is correct regarding the VIN (on the log book) but with an S as the fifth on the car. It looks like I've got a standard car, marked up with an XJR-S chassis number on all markings/stickers on the car, a standard car 'N' chassis number in the logbook but described as XJR-S alongside that number in the logbook...my brain is starting to ache!
Time travel back to the 14th of Feb 1989 would be great, then I would have half a chance of deciphering this muddle!

I can only assume that the car was destined to be an XJR-S but never made the upgrade stage?

Attached is a copy of the service book, both the front page and the first page of services...there must be a record somewhere of the Jaguar company vehicles used and registered to Jaguar in the late 80's!

[BrizzleJag]

I can only assume that the car was destined to be an XJR-S but never made the upgrade stage?

I think that is the only logical explanation and as you say unless you are a time lord, you'll probably never know for sure. I think pretty much all the TWR records are missing or have been destroyed which is a great shame as they may have shed some light. If you look at it however from another perspective you do at least have a car with some interesting history and with a slightly mystical past. I still think it's probably worth getting Nigel Thornley's point of view as he has written books on the XJS and maybe able to give another explanation.