XJS register

[CliveRothwell]

I thought it would be interesting to look up our car's brothers and sister, namely the VIN next to our car SAJJNAED3EK180118

It seems that the register isn't searchable to show VIN

I then tried to do it using paint code LEH. This revealed just 3 cars and hundreds showing no code at all. OK, maybe I have OCD or something but surely, can't we ask members to put in the correct paint code if nothing else? An easy way to get this info would be to offer free club membership to members who register their cars fully on the register?

What does the Club think?

[ptjs1]

Clive,

It may be helpful if I try and clarify a few aspects about the "Vehicle Register".

The register is, effectively, merely a summary of the vehicle details held within the membership records. Very sadly, only a small percentage of members have chosen to update their membership details with their vehicle details. In this respect, XJS-owning members have the moral high ground with over 1200 cars recorded. This is over 5 times more cars than any other model.

To maintain the confidentiality and security of member cars, we do not allow a public display of VINs and also allow members to restrict public visibility of their registration number. Whilst this limits the ability of members to search by VIN, it is an important factor for us and should reassure members of the club as to our policy on data confidentiality. Just as a matter of interest, the nearest member XJS to yours Clive, is 15 cars newer.

When we first established the vehicle details side of the membership records, we did not appreciate that it was important to get a comprehensive set of details for each vehicle. Therefore, we did not initially enforce the capture of paint codes, or even engine numbers. We quickly resolved that, but it does mean the initial membership vehicle details do not necessarily include paint codes. We would like all members to go back and update their membership records with more complete details of their XJSs.

As regards encouraging members to update their membership details, the club has offered a years free membership to every 1000th vehicle recorded in the membership details. Unfortunately even this incentive has not encouraged most members to update their records. And this is very disappointing for the club, for without a good understanding of our vehicle population, it is extremely difficult to work out what products, services and activities we should be offering to our membership.

So, thank you Clive for raising the issue. And for any member who reads this and hasn't yet updated their membership details, please do so. It's in your interests to do so, even if you don't get the free membership!

Paul Sinnott

[CliveRothwell]

Hello Paul

Many thanks for your lengthy and thoughtful response. Clearly there are confidentiality issues which limit what can be done with the register. In the short term, registers are of limited value whilst the population is relatively large. As cars get scrapped, the registers become more more valuable. A glance at the quantity of articles in the motoring press which quote and revolve around VIN and engine numbers shows just how important registers really are. It would be wonderful to see more members now complete and update their cars' details. From your reply Paul, we have at least established that our car does have a "brother" within 15 cars of it. This should be the start of the story as we track down which of the 280 odd facelift cars older than our car still exist and which are 4.0 litre cars. Without a fuller register and a review of what information can be in the public domain, the "Story" will be a short one!

Many thanks again - I see a short article in the magazine appearing in the near future.

Clive

[ptjs1]

Clive,

Just to let you know, of the members who have updated their details, 6 have 4.0 litre facelift cars older than yours.

Good luck with the search! We're looking forward to the article!

Paul

[CliveRothwell]

Gripping information Paul - many thanks.

Whilst we are on the topic, I notice that the XJ Series register also has a bit of a niggle: owners of 3.4 litre engined cars cannot accurately list their car as there is not a 3.4 option in the drop down menu.

So, guess who has a 3.4 litre Series 3? Yes - I have!

So Paul, here is your challenge: see if the 3.4 option can be added to the drop down menu. This would really put the register right.

Looking at www.howmanyleft.co.uk it appears there are very few 3.4 litre Series 3 cars still on the road......

Cheers
Clive

[ptjs1]

Clive,

Good spot. We'll ask webman to amend the member vehicle details input to recognise 3.4 engines in Series XJs.

Paul

[CliveRothwell]

Paul

Excellent news - well done! Lets see how many we get............

[CliveRothwell]

Hi Paul

Has webman been approached about the amendment to the XJ register re 3.4 engine cars?

[ptjs1]

Clive,

I'll follow this up at the weekend. Drop me a PM if you don't see any progress!

Paul