Postby 555ttg » Fri Mar 30, 2012 1:21 pm
I agree with Keith, watch for shoddy bodge jobs!
These models, although maybe the prettiest of all XJ variants, used to rot on the showroom floor, and have mostly been subjected to bodywork of varying degrees of proficiency over the years. My advice would be to look for the stalled restoration, or maybe a decent car, down at the mouth, that you can fettle and restore yourself, or have done for you,(plug for Keith), as at least that way, you will know what you are getting into and what you get out at the other end. I have seen some awful dogs sell for incredible sums, only to blister up and show their true state a year or 2 down the road, and then you will be faced with having to get it done properly or take a hiding on the selling price! Buy a cheaper 'project' and get it done properly, these are rare cars to begin with and they are getting fewer as each year goes on. I had a V12Coupe RHO44P back in 1980 when it was 4 years old and it was rotting away even then! Then I bought an XJ6C XTM814S at the same time I owned the V12, and even though it was only a couple of years old, the dreaded tin worm was starting then. So imagine, 36 years from the 1st release of these models, what they are likely to be like, and then imagine how many times they've been bodged over the years. Even 20 years ago, these were 'just another Jag' to the bodgers n the trade, and so would not have had the care and attention paid to them that they are undoubtedly worth. I live in Canada now, and it has taken me about 10 years to find an original car, that has never been faffed with, and yet still is solid enough to warrant a proper restoration! When you consider that over 50% of all coupes made, crossed the 'pond' that isn't very encouraging is it?
Good Luck!
Phil
1973 Series 1 XJ12 SWB
1977 Series 2 XJ6C
1987 XJ-S 5.3 litre auto Cabriolet
1989 LISTER modified XJ40
1993 XJS 4.0 litre Manual facelift
